Investigation and inquest
On 26th July 2018 I commenced an investigation into the death of SHANE GRAY, aged 27 years. The investigation concluded at the end of the inquest on 27th February 2019. The conclusion of the inquest was that Shane died an accidental death.
Circumstances of the death
On 25th July 2018 Shane Gray was working for Doe Caravan Transport Ltd erecting and dismantling Caravans on the Lakeside Caravan Park. It was a hot day. When the work for the day was complete Mr Gray decided to go for a swim in Lythorne Lake close to where he was working and which was part of the Lakeside Caravan Park. There were no signs at this part of the site showing that swimming was prohibited. He entered the water but after a short period he got into difficulties, being unable to breathe, and despite calling out to his friends, he went under the water and subsequently drowned.
Coroner’s concerns
(1) That there was inadequate signage in this particular area of the Site where Shane entered the Lake warning him that Swimming was not permitted.
(2) The area close to the Lake (where the accident occurred) is to be occupied by families with young children and there is no physical barrier to prevent young children entering the Lake..
(3) The signage that is in place in other parts of the sites in a text format (with no pictorial form) and therefore this signage does not provide for those individuals who cannot read or for children who are not of a reading age.
(4) Contractors who are working on the site are not directly made aware of the rules relating to the Lakes. Reliance is placed solely on these Contractors having seen the signs upon entering the Site.