A former police officer has been sentenced to 10 years and six months in prison for the gross negligence manslaughter of four individuals who tragically drowned during a paddleboarding excursion she led in Wales. Nerys Bethan Lloyd, 39, who owned and operated the Salty Dog paddleboard company, was found guilty of causing the deaths of her clients under extremely hazardous conditions on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest on October 30, 2021.
The victims included Paul O'Dwyer, 42, a fellow instructor who drowned while attempting to save others, and three participants: Morgan Rogers, 24, Nicola Wheatley, 40, and Andrea Powell, 41. The court heard that Lloyd ignored severe weather warnings and took the group out onto the water despite torrential rain and a swollen river.
During the sentencing at Swansea Crown Court, Mrs. Justice Mary Stacey expressed her deep concern over the lack of safety measures in place during the excursion. She noted that there was no safety briefing provided to the group, none of the participants had the appropriate type of leash for their paddleboards, and crucial next of kin details were not collected.
"There was no consent form obtained. There had been no mention to the group of a weir on the river and how to deal with it, and no discussion of the tidal river conditions whatsoever," Judge Stacey stated. The court also revealed that the river was in flood conditions, with a strong current that posed a serious risk to all involved.
As the group approached the weir, they were swept over the edge, leading to a chaotic and tragic scene. Paul O'Dwyer, who had been trying to help the struggling participants, drowned after jumping back into the water to assist them. The judge described the situation as akin to a washing machine due to the hydraulic forces at play.
After the incident, Lloyd initially attempted to shift blame onto O'Dwyer, claiming that he had provided a safety briefing while she was away. However, survivors of the incident contradicted her statement, asserting that no such briefing had occurred.
In court, Lloyd admitted her guilt, stating, "I take full blame for the incident that meant four extremely special individuals are not here today. The pain for me has been unbearable but the pain for the families is unmeasurable." Despite her admission, the judge emphasized that remorse and responsibility were separate matters, noting that Lloyd had failed to take the necessary precautions expected of someone in her position.
As the court heard testimonies from the families of the victims, the emotional toll of the tragedy was laid bare. Nicola Wheatley's husband, Darren, expressed his devastation, stating, "I hugged and kissed Nicola goodbye, she was so trusting. The next time I would see her would be to identify her body in the mortuary." He described Lloyd as a "coward" for her actions and criticized her for celebrating life shortly after the incident on social media.
Similarly, Morgan Rogers' mother, Theresa Hall, described the pain of losing her daughter, saying, "You in your arrogance have stopped me being able to fully grieve for my daughter." Each family member shared their grief, highlighting the profound impact of the loss on their lives.
Judge Stacey acknowledged the heart-wrenching accounts from the victims' families, stating that nothing could truly compensate for their loss. She remarked on the potential for future tragedies if regulations surrounding paddleboarding were not strengthened. The incident has reignited discussions about the need for better safety measures in adventure sports, particularly in conditions that could endanger participants.
The court was informed that Lloyd had been suspended from her position as a police officer prior to the incident due to a separate matter involving a fraudulent insurance claim. This background raised further questions about her qualifications and judgment as the leader of the paddleboarding tour.
In her closing remarks, Judge Stacey said, "You knew what you should do but failed to do it." She reiterated that the group had placed their trust in Lloyd, who had a responsibility to ensure their safety. Her actions, or lack thereof, led to a devastating outcome that could have been avoided.
As Lloyd begins her sentence, the families of the victims continue to grapple with their loss. The tragic events of that day serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safety in outdoor activities, especially under adverse weather conditions. The hope is that this case will lead to stricter regulations and greater accountability for those who lead such excursions.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, Melody Johns, a survivor of the incident, called for change in the paddleboarding industry, stating, "Paddleboarding is largely unregulated and boards are still being sold without quick-release leashes that can save lives. Something needs to change." Her words echo the sentiments of many who believe that the safety of participants should always be the top priority in adventure sports.
