Recurring concern

Inadequate warnings about location-specific hazards at public waterside locations

First to latest report 4 Mar 2014 — 26 Feb 2026

Reports that mention this concern
21
Times this concern has been raised
23
Stated actions linked to this concern
27

What this concern includes

Includes inadequate signs, pictograms, public advice or other dedicated warnings about location-specific hazards at beaches, rivers, ponds and comparable publicly accessible waterside locations.

What is not included
  • Generic water-safety education not tied to a location-specific hazard
  • Lifeguard, rescue-service or emergency-response capacity where warning controls are not deficient
  • Warnings for roads, workplaces or other non-waterside settings
  • The underlying natural hazard where no deficiency in warning or safety information is identified

Reports and published responses 21 reports

See individual reports that have raised this concern, and the actions taken in response

  1. Inner North London

    AI-generated summary

    Jonathan Jesutofumi Adebanjo · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Jonathan Jesutofumi Adebanjo drowned while swimming at Shadwell Basin after descending into the water by ladder. The concerns identified were that prohibition signs were too small and insufficiently obvious, and did not explain the dangers of poor underwater visibility, an undercurrent, and rubbish or discarded items below the surface.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of swimming-prohibition signs to communicate the dangers of poor visibility, undercurrents and submerged rubbish

    Wider context from the report

    “I am concerned that: (a) The signs indicating that swimming is prohibited at the location should be larger and more obvious; (b) The content of the signs should indicate the reason why swimming is dangerous, namely the poor visibility, the presence of the undercurrent and the presence of rubbish and discarded items below the surface. ”

    Source location

    Jonathan Jesutofumi Adebanjo · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  2. Black Country

    AI-generated summary

    Spencer Lloyd Hurst · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On the evening of 20 June 2017, 15-year-old Spencer Lloyd Hurst went into a lake with friends, got into trouble while swimming, and went below the surface. His body was recovered by emergency services shortly afterwards and he was pronounced deceased. Concerns included the absence of adequate warnings, fencing, or other measures to mitigate the risks of swimming, despite a similar death at the same location in 2007.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of adequate warning notices about the risks of swimming in the lake

    Wider context from the report

    “1. Evidence emerged during the investigation and pre-inquest hearing review that another young male had died in very similar circumstances at the same location on the 11 June 2007. 2. Despite this being the second death, evidence emerged that there have been no adequate notices displayed to warn of the risks of swimming in the lake and no evidence of any fencing or appropriate measures taken to mitigate the risks. ”

    Source location

    Spencer Lloyd Hurst · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Install a secured memorial and four entrance signs warning that swimming in open water is dangerous.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “To try an overcome the issues and difficulties experienced by Parkhill and WMBC with regards to signage at the Mere being removed or destroyed, Parkhill has, since the Inquest, engaged in discussion with the family of Spencer Hurst regarding the possibility of erecting signage which also incorporates a memorial to Spencer. The hope is that a memorial may act as a deterrent to other young persons who might go to the Mere and would be less likely than ordinary signage to be vandalised or removed. Spencer’s mother has kindly indicated that she would be agreeable to a memorial being implemented as a control measure at the Mere in the hope that it may deter swimmers.”

    Source location

    2017-0275-Response-by-Parkhill-Estates-Limited
    Page 3 · response
    Published 25 November 2017

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Implement six-monthly inspections of the signage and assess whether further safety action is required.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Once the signage is established on site, Parkhill will organise and implement a 6 monthly inspection regime of the signage. Following each inspection the Company will conduct an assessment to decide if any further actions are required in respect of the signage at Ryders Hill Mere.”

    Source location

    2017-0275-Response-by-Parkhill-Estates-Limited
    Page 3 · response
    Published 25 November 2017

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Signage and fencing are considered ineffective for preventing or deterring swimmers at the Mere, based on risk assessment and previous experience.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Risk assessment at the design stage suggested that signage and fencing would be ineffective to prevent or deter swimmers in the Mere and the grading of the Mere edges was therefore”

    Source location

    2017-0275-Response-by-Parkhill-Estates-Limited
    Page 1 · response
    Published 25 November 2017

    Open published response

  3. Newcastle upon Tyne

    AI-generated summary

    Liam Hall · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 30 August 2016, 17-year-old Liam Hall drowned after leaving an inflatable dinghy in the sea at Roker Beach, despite having very limited swimming ability. The concerns identified were the absence of warning signage about the risks of entering the water and using inflatable devices, and the absence of lifeguard supervision in the harbour area.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of appropriate signage warning of water-entry risks and increased risks from inflatable devices in the Roker Harbour area

    Wider context from the report

    “[BRIEF SUMMARY OF MATTERS OF CONCERN] (1) No appropriate signage warning of the risks of entering the water and of the increased risks associated with the use of inflatable devices in the Roker Harbour area. (2) No lifeguard supervision in that area. ”

    Source location

    Liam Hall · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  4. Inner South London

    AI-generated summary

    Mr Edwin Richard Flett · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Mr Edwin Richard Flett drowned after entering the sea at Accra (Rockley) Beach, Barbados, on 21 March 2015; prompt CPR could not save him, and the autopsy found no medical reason for the drowning. The report raised concerns about the beach's history of drownings, currents and riptides, the absence of warning flags or signs, and general rather than beach-specific safety information for tourists.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure of holidaymaker safety advice to identify dangers at particular beaches

    Wider context from the report

    “3. The steps that the FCO has taken since this death is to produce general advice noting that warning flags and lifeguards may not be present on all beaches and that there may be unexpected currents. The advice about risks of swimming in general do not appear to draw the attention of holiday makers the risks acknowledged by the Barbados National Conservation Commission and evidenced by the family on this beach in particular. 4. The British tour operator now draws the attention of holiday makers to FCO advice and there is a general leaflet warning swimmers of dangers of swimming, precautions and of rip tides and listed lifeguard supervised beaches. But this advice remains general and does not inform holiday makers of dangers at particular beaches. ”

    Source location

    Mr Edwin Richard Flett · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

  5. North West Wales

    AI-generated summary

    Alexander Stuart Hadley and Steffan Robert Vernon · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 5 June 2015, Alexander Stuart Hadley and Steffan Robert Vernon drowned while swimming in a pool below a waterfall at Llanberis. The concern was that people were unaware of the dangerous currents and other hazards, creating a risk of further deaths, and that warning signage was needed.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of warnings about dangerous currents in the waterfall pool

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The two deceased men were unaware of the dangerous currents in the pool directly below the waterfall and the evidence indicated that other people were also unaware of the dangers. As the waterfall is in close proximity to the village of Llanberis and is easily accessible other people could die in identical circumstances and I am therefore of the opinion that a sign should be erected to warn people of the dangerous characteristics of the waterfall pool. ”

    Source location

    Alexander Stuart Hadley and Steffan Robert Vernon · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Install safety warning signs near the waterfall pool warning visitors not to swim and highlighting the risk from underwater currents.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Mae Cyngor Gwynedd yn dal rhyddfraint safle’r pwll lle digwyddodd y ddamwain, ond mae’r safle wedi ei brydlesu. Er hynny, mae’r Cyngor wedi gwneud trefniadau yn unol â’r gorchymyn yn dilyn y cwest, i osod rhybuddion diogelwch na ddylid ymdrochi yn y pwll ger Rhaeadr Afon Arddu, Llanberis.”

    Source location

    2015-0433-Response
    Page 1 · response
    Published 11 November 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Severe weather temporarily prevents safely accessing the site to install safety warning signs.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Mae arwyddion wedi eu harchebu a’u derbyn a bwriedir eu gosod ar greigiau gerllaw pwll y rhaeadr er mwyn blaen-rhybuddio ymwelwyr i’r safle o’r perygl o farwolaeth sy’n bodoli oherwydd ceryntau tanddwr. Bydd yr arwyddion yn cael eu gosod cyn gynted â phosibl. Mae’r tywydd gwyllt diweddar wedi oedi’r gwaith gan fod angen sicrhau llwybr diogel i weithwyr gyrraedd y safle. Byddant yn cael eu gosod unwaith bydd tywydd yn caniatáu’r gwaith gael ei gynnal yn ddiogel a gobeithir y bydd wedi ei gwblhau erbyn diwedd mis Ionawr 2016.”

    Source location

    2015-0433-Response
    Page 1 · response
    Published 11 November 2015

    Open published response

  6. Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

    AI-generated summary

    Summer Leigh Robertson and Alice Rebecca Barnett · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Summer Leigh Robertson and Alice Rebecca Barnett died in the sea off Woody Cape, South Africa, on 4 December 2014 after entering the water and being caught in a rip current. The principal concerns were that the people entering the sea and Lattitude were unaware of the rip-current risk, and that there was no specific risk assessment or adequate warning about rip currents.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to warn people entering the water of rip-current presence or possibility

    Wider context from the report

    “(6) Anyone entering the water should be warned or made aware of the presence or possible presence of a rip current by whatever means are reasonable and appropriate for the location. ”

    Source location

    Summer Leigh Robertson and Alice Rebecca Barnett · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  7. County Durham and Darlington

    AI-generated summary

    JORDAN LEE ROBERTS · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    JORDAN LEE ROBERTS, aged 17, was playing in the River Wear near Finchale Abbey when he entered a particularly deep area known as the bombhole and was not seen again above the surface. He was found in more than two metres of water by emergency services the next day. The principal concern was that warning signs were inadequate, not readily visible, and did not specifically highlight the danger from the sudden deep water and strong currents.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Inadequate warning signage for river-path users about the deep pool and strong currents

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) The depth of the water in the River Wear which the three young men waded through is not particularly deep or particularly hazardous except where there is this particularly deep pool where the dangers are also compounded by strong currents. There is one warning sign on the Finchale Abbey side of the river but people walking down the well established river path on the County Council river bank side would be unaware of this sign and the three small square warning signs that are in place seem inadequate and not fit for purpose particularly bearing in mind that the water bailiff himself was unaware of their existence. Consideration therefore should be given to the question of the erection of appropriate warning signs on both sides of the River Wear in this area particularly highlighting known dangers of this particularly deep expanse of water. ”

    Source location

    JORDAN LEE ROBERTS · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Complete a safety assessment of the northern section of the river bank.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Following the tragic death of Jordan Lee Roberts, a safety assessment of the northern section of the river bank has been undertaken by Durham County Council. The assessment process has also involved a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) consultant. ROSPA have also been engaged by the Durham City Safety Group to undertake an independent review of river safety in Durham City Centre. As part of this process, ROSPA are also reviewing various other locations across the County including Finchale Abbey.”

    Source location

    2015-0042-Response-by-Durham-County-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 6 February 2015

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Replace existing warning signs with larger hazard signs at three key northern river-bank locations and maintain them through ongoing inspection and replacement.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The safety assessment has resulted in actions being taken to replace the existing warning signs which were identified in the matters of concern. Larger, improved hazard warning signs have been erected at 3 key locations along the northern river bank. This will warn river path users that there are river related hazards, specifically strong currents and deep water. The signs being erected are in accordance with The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations and ROSPA national water safety signage specification for public areas. All signs will be subject to ongoing inspection and monitoring regimes and replacements will be erected on an ongoing basis where required.”

    Source location

    2015-0042-Response-by-Durham-County-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 6 February 2015

    Open published response

  8. North West Wales

    AI-generated summary

    ISAAC NASH · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    On 29 August 2014, 12-year-old Isaac Nash was swept out to sea by strong tidal currents while playing in shallow water at Aberffraw Bay, and his body was never found. The report raised concern that the estuary area had strong currents that were not identifiable to beach users without local knowledge and was not signposted.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Lack of warnings about strong tidal currents in the river estuary part of Aberffraw Bay

    Wider context from the report

    “(1) Whereas it is acknowledged that there is no such thing as a safe beach Aberffraw Bay is generally considered to be a beach that is safe for children. Unfortunately, the area where the river estuary is located is, at times, subject to very strong currents and there is no way by which a person using the beach can be aware of this other than by having local knowledge. In this case, the adults accompanying the deceased were extremely sensible and safety conscious but could not have been aware of the strong tidal conditions prevailing when the children were playing on the beach. If they had been aware of the strong tide at that time they may either have not gone onto the beach or would have chosen a location in the bay where the tidal stream is not great and would have ensured that the children would not stray into the strong tidal area. I would suggest that you consider erecting signs to warn the public of the potential danger in the river estuary part of Aberffraw Bay. ”

    Source location

    ISAAC NASH · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Erect a warning sign in the car park highlighting the potential dangers at Trwyn Du before the Easter Bank Holiday.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “3. Following the action in 1 and 2 above, a new warning sign is to be placed in the car park. This sign draws particular attention to the potential dangers at Trwyn Du. In dialogue with the Aberffraw Community Council and the Bodorgan Estate, the landowner, we have attempted to strike the right balance between the safety issues and the local tourist industry in the village of Aberffraw.”

    Source location

    2015-0028-Response-Isle-of-Anglesey-County-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 30 January 2015

    Open published response

  9. Exeter & Greater Devon

    AI-generated summary

    Rebecca Jodie CURTIS-SMALL · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Rebecca Jodie CURTIS-SMALL was caught by a rip tide while swimming with her family at Croyde Bay on 31 December 2013. She was found after a search, taken to hospital, and died from drowning and hypothermia; concerns related to the visibility and specificity of beach signage warning about rip-tide hazards.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Failure to provide signage warning of specific riptide hazards under varying tide conditions

    Wider context from the report

    “1. That the appropriate signage is displayed in a way that can easily be seen on each of the entrances to the beach. 2. Whether the sign could refer to any specific riptide hazards known of at the beach in order to warn members of the public using the beach at different times of the year and different states of the tide, that rip tides would be more hazardous. ”

    Source location

    Rebecca Jodie CURTIS-SMALL · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Display prominent safety and information signs at all five access points to Croyde Beach, covering lifeguard availability and key beach hazards.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We note the two matters of concern listed in the Regulation 28 Report. The signage that is displayed at Croyde Beach has been designed and erected in agreement with the RNLI and these signs are consistent with signage and information that is provided at several beaches in the North Devon area and elsewhere in England. The signs clearly state whether a lifeguard is on duty at the beach (as this varies depending on the time of year) and identifies the dangers of rip tides, offshore winds, rocks and sudden drops in sea floor. The advice provided by the RNLI relates to the content and layout of the signs and also the number and location of signs erected at the beach.”

    Source location

    2014-0483-Response-by-Parkdean
    Page 1 · response
    Published 4 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent action was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Undertake an audit of signs at beaches under the Council’s control and ownership.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “We are therefore unable to take any action in respect of Croyde Beach, but in light of the issues you have raised we will be undertaking an audit of signs at the beaches which are under our control and ownership and we also intend to bring this issue to the attention of our partner organisations.”

    Source location

    2014-0483-Response-by-North-Devon-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 4 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    The placement, content and maintenance of Croyde Beach signage are outside the MCA’s responsibility.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “The exact placement, content and maintenance of the signage at Croyde Beach is not the responsibility of the MCA or the RNLI and I am unable to comment on the historical placement arrangements. With regard to evidence that the signs on this particular beach could have been better placed I do understand that the exact placement of signage is often a compromise due to demands of requirements by planning and local authorities, beach owners or operators or environmental, financial or other constraints.”

    Source location

    2014-0483-Response-by-Maritime-Coastguard-Agency
    Page 1 · response
    Published 4 November 2014

    Open published response

    Source evidence

    How this respondent position was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the published response wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Unable to take action at Croyde Beach because the Council lacks ownership and enforcement powers over private landowners.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “I can confirm that the District Council has no ownership interest at Croyde Beach other than the public toilets located at Moor Lane.”

    Source location

    2014-0483-Response-by-North-Devon-Council
    Page 1 · response
    Published 4 November 2014

    Open published response

  10. Staffordshire South

    AI-generated summary

    Kai Lambe · Prevention of Future Deaths report

    This summary was generated using AI from the published report. Please read the original report for the complete account.

    Report summary

    Kai Lambe, aged 9, drowned in the River Dove after going down a salmon chute and sinking under the water. The report raises concern about a five-minute delay between Derbyshire receiving the emergency call and Staffordshire’s log commencing, and whether control room operators should dispatch officers immediately in urgent incidents on or near the county border.

    Read the report on judiciary.uk

    Source evidence

    How this individual concern was interpreted

    PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below.

    PFD Monitor interpretation

    Insufficient warning signage at the weir and salmon chute

    Wider context from the report

    “At the inquest I was told that children have played at this location for many years. Is does however appear that travelling along the weir and going down the salmon chute is extremely risky. I believe that you have some responsibility for the site and that there is one small warning sign. Although you may already be aware of the circumstances of this tragic death and are taking action I write to you know to ask you to consider if safety measures including signage at the scene should be improved. If you feel that this is not your responsibility could you please let me know who is responsible for the location? ”

    Source location

    Kai Lambe · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

Actions and positions describe what organisations say in published responses. Implementation is not independently verified.

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Data last updated 7 September 2026