Recurring concern

Uncontrolled dangerous currents affecting swimmers

First to latest report 30 Jan 2015 — 3 Jul 2024

Reports that mention this concern
6
Times this concern has been raised
7
Stated actions linked to this concern
4

What this concern includes

Includes dangerous currents, undertows, rips, turbulent water and comparable current hazards affecting swimmers at beaches, harbours, rivers and other open-water locations, together with controls specifically intended to warn about, restrict access to, supervise or enable rescue from those current hazards.

What is not included
  • Excludes generic open-water drowning risks where dangerous currents are not the material hazard.
  • Excludes swimming-pool hazards, watercraft-specific hazards and water-rescue deficiencies that are not specifically connected to dangerous currents.
  • Excludes general signage, lifeguard, lighting or rescue failures unless they directly concern identifying, communicating or controlling a dangerous-current hazard.
  • Excludes ordinary rough-water descriptions without an asserted continuing safety risk or deficient current-related control.

Reports and published responses 6 reports

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

  1. Cheshire

    AI-generated summary

    Andrew James STORY · 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

    Andrew Story died after drowning while swimming in the sea in Rethymno, Crete, on holiday; a UK post-mortem also identified left ventricular hypertrophy. The report raised concerns that the sea was particularly rough, there were no lifeguards on duty, and there were no red warning markers, signs or flags to indicate the danger.

    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

    Particularly rough sea conditions making swimming unsafe

    Wider context from the report

    “It was understood that the Greek Coroner had informed bereaved family members that the sea was particularly rough in Rethymno, Crete and had no lifeguards on duty between 31 August and the end of the summer season. This coincided with tourist season making the use of that beach and sea for swimming generally, and particularly unsafe in the absence of red warning markers, signs or flags ”

    Source location

    Andrew James STORY · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 1 · concerns

    Open source report

  2. Cornwall and Isles of Scilly

    AI-generated summary

    James Francis PARSONS · 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

    James Francis PARSONS died by drowning at Porthleven Harbour on 23 April 2022 after falling from the harbour wall into the water. The report identified safety concerns including sheer drops without railings, trip hazards, poor lighting, the absence of access ladders or refuge areas, and the pier being open to the public during the festival.

    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

    Harbour currents making swimming to safety difficult

    Wider context from the report

    “There were safety issues revealed at Porthleven Harbour, particularly in the evening when festival goers will have been drinking alcohol. Sections of the harbour wall feature sheer drops into water with no railings and trip hazards. The pier presents a particular risk due the absence of railings on one side with a sheer drop into water, and being poorly lit. For anyone falling from the pier, swimming to safety will be difficult due to current and the absence of access ladders or refuge area. The pier is sometimes closed to access by the public but was not closed at the time of the festival. ”

    Source location

    James Francis PARSONS · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 3 · concerns

    Open source report

    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

    Statutory health and safety enforcement for dock premises falls outside the council’s powers under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In relation to the safety concerns of the Harbour itself, Cornwall Council has no statutory powers under the Health and Safety At Work etc Act 1974 because Dock Premises fall to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for statutory enforcement purposes Appendix 1: Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998: A-Z guide to allocation (hse.gov.uk). We have passed your FDR to the local inspectors for the HSE, however you may wish to consider sending the HSE an FDR directly.”

    Source location

    Response from Cornwall Council
    Page 2 · response
    Published 28 February 2023

    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 Health and Safety Executive is responsible for statutory enforcement concerning safety at the harbour’s dock premises.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “In relation to the safety concerns of the Harbour itself, Cornwall Council has no statutory powers under the Health and Safety At Work etc Act 1974 because Dock Premises fall to the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) for statutory enforcement purposes Appendix 1: Health and Safety (Enforcing Authority) Regulations 1998: A-Z guide to allocation (hse.gov.uk). We have passed your FDR to the local inspectors for the HSE, however you may wish to consider sending the HSE an FDR directly.”

    Source location

    Response from Cornwall Council
    Page 2 · response
    Published 28 February 2023

    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

    HSE has no regulatory powers over harbour areas without work activity or risks increased by festivals and other public events.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Porthleven Harbour is mainly concerned with recreational activities, including the mooring of privately owned pleasure boats. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 only applies to Porthleven Harbour at locations where a work activity is taking place. That is paid work or where there is some form of remuneration, there is an employer/employee or self-employed person. Where the Act does not apply, HSE has no vires or regulatory powers.”

    Source location

    Response from Health and Safety Executive
    Page 1 · response
    Published 28 February 2023

    Open published response

  3. 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

    Ongoing dangerous currents at the beach

    Wider context from the report

    “2. The Barbados National Conservation Commission documentary evidence was that this beach had three currents: undertows, lateral/littoral currents/long shore drift and rip including flesh rips. The risks of these to swimmers were acknowledged and would seem to be on going and thus pertain both before 2009 and after 2015. Nevertheless, the report found no evidence that Mr Flett was in difficulty as a result of abnormal sea conditions, riptides or undercurrents, but the family see no other explanation of the sudden and unexpected drowning. ”

    Source location

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

    Open source report

  4. 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

    Ever-present rip-current danger along coastal stretches

    Wider context from the report

    “(4) In essence there is an ever present danger or risk of rip currents along this stretch of coast (and other parts in the world) and local knowledge was essential in order to identify those risks. The risk could be to a whole stretch of beach, yet at different places and at different times, pose greater or lesser risk. ”

    Source location

    Summer Leigh Robertson and Alice Rebecca Barnett · Prevention of Future Deaths report
    Page 2 · concerns

    Open source report

    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

  5. 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

    Particularly deep pool with strong currents in the River Wear

    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

    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

    Improve sections of fencing along the northern river bank near the footbridge.

    Verbatim wording from the response

    “Furthermore, additional work will also be undertaken to improve sections of fencing along the northern side of river bank in the vicinity of the footbridge. Information will also be provided on the Durham County Council Cocken Wood picnic area webpages regarding the hazards associated with the river, particularly for those visiting this attraction that may be unaware.”

    Source location

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

    Open published response

  6. 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

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

Back to top

Data last updated 7 September 2026