Investigation and inquest
On 22 July 2013 I commenced an investigation into the death of RYAN JAMES PETTENGELL, then aged 41 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 25 February 2014. The conclusion of the inquest was Accidental Death, the medical cause of death being Drowning.
Circumstances of the death
(1) On 16 July 2013 Mr Pettengell went with friends to a disused quarry at Bawsey, King’s Lynn.
(2) The quarry is a popular recreation area which includes various lakes.
(3) There is an Agreement in place that the area will be accessible to the public for recreational purposes. Swimming in the lakes is prohibited.
(4) Mr Pettengell entered one of the lakes and attempted to swim to a nearby island.
(5) Mr Pettengell got into trouble and drowned.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) The site has been officially closed since this incident (and another drowning on the same day) whilst meetings are ongoing with the community as to the best way to provide recreational facilities to the public whilst having regard to the public’s safety;
(2) Recommendations were put forward by the King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council on 20 August 2013 with regard to increasing safety at the site;
(3) Six months later, no action has been taken with regard to increasing safety at the site;
(4) Evidence was given at the inquest that the public are still gaining access to the site;
(5)There is no signage around the lake prohibiting swimming in the area where Mr Pettengell entered the water;
(6) Some of the existing signage is damaged and/or has been removed.