Liam Day · Prevention of Future Deaths report

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Issued 14 Dec 2016•Dorset

Published report and response evidence

This report’s concerns and statements found in recipients’ published responses. Statements are included even where no link to an individual concern is recorded. A link shows an evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

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Concerns
5

Raised in this report

Recipients
2

Named on the report

Responses found
2

Of 2 recipients

Stated actions
6

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

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Concerns and recipient responses

Select any concern, action or position to view the source wording.

Concerns raised5

  1. Lack of means to request help during climbing over deep water
    Part of recurring concern: Unreliable access to emergency communication
  2. Dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters
  3. Failure to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when climbing over deep water
    Part of recurring concern: Inadequate controls for drowning risks at open-water locationsPart of recurring concern: Inadequate flotation protection for people entering deep open water

Stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.6

  1. British Mountaineering Council

    Update advice to foreground the rule that climbers should never undertake deep water soloing alone.

  2. British Mountaineering Council

    Update guidance to warn climbers about dangerously low coastal-water temperatures and Cold Water Shock.

  3. British Mountaineering Council

    Highlight in guidance that climbers should tell others their plans and expected return time.

  4. British Mountaineering Council

    Raise the risks of dangerously low coastal-water temperatures and Cold Water Shock with guidebook writers.

  5. Royal Yachting Association

    Refresh website safety information pages, prominently featuring cold water shock guidance.

  6. Royal Yachting Association

    Highlight safety information to members through electronic communications and the annual Safety Advisory Notice.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.6

  1. British Mountaineering Council

    Tombstoning falls outside the organisation's represented activities and remit.

    Outside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.
  2. British Mountaineering Council

    Leaving plans with others would not have saved the climber's life, although it could reduce distress and improve search effectiveness.

    Disputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
  3. British Mountaineering Council

    Other members of a climbing party should be nearby to assist, because the guidance's golden rule is never to climb alone.

    Existing arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.
  4. British Mountaineering Council

    Wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid while climbing is impractical and may increase fall and neck-trauma risks.

    Disputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
  5. Royal Yachting Association

    Lifejackets, buoyancy aids and warm clothing could create significant hazards during climbing, increasing the likelihood of falling.

    Disputes the concernThe respondent disagreed with part of the concern or the basis for it.
  6. Royal Yachting Association

    Mountaineering falls outside the respondent’s remit, so it does not undertake responsive safety work for that activity.

    Outside remitThe respondent said that this matter was outside its role or authority.

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Lack of means to request help during climbing over deep water

Wider context from the report

“Liam Day was an experienced climber. He appears to have become interested in a relatively new climbing phenomenon of Deep Water Soloing (DWS). There are inherent risks of falling when climbing and it appears that the view held by those pursuing DWS is that by climbing over deep water you will reduce the risks of seriously injuring yourself should you fall. This is true of the deceased as there was no trauma found to his body on examination. I found the following preliminary issues contributed to his death:- 1. He was climbing with no safety line 2. He was not wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid 3. He was not wearing clothing that offered no warmth in the water 4. He was not on his own 5. He had no means of requesting help such as a whistle, a waterproof phone or waterproof marine VHF radio 6. He had left no specific instructions as to where he was intending to climb and what time he would be home The main issue I wish to highlight are the dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters to those enjoying sports/pastimes/hobbies and who are unaware of the same. This is the reason I am including the RYA in this report. During the course of the inquest evidence was given that the sea temperature on 15/6/16 was around 12-13 degrees Celsius. The deeper one descends into water the colder one gets. The surface of the water is cooled by sea breeze. This temperature is in stark contrast to the air temperature found above the water and to the core body temperature of someone carrying out physical activity above the deep water. The consequence of someone falling into deep water who is unprepared for such an eventuality is panic, shortness of breath. Individuals can experience Cold Water Shock Syndrome. The pathologist in this case explained how in a relatively short period of time (taking into account the presence of all factors detailed above) he died as a result of hypothermia. It is the speed with which one can succumb to such a condition that I wish to highlight. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Unreliable access to emergency communication.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters

Wider context from the report

“Liam Day was an experienced climber. He appears to have become interested in a relatively new climbing phenomenon of Deep Water Soloing (DWS). There are inherent risks of falling when climbing and it appears that the view held by those pursuing DWS is that by climbing over deep water you will reduce the risks of seriously injuring yourself should you fall. This is true of the deceased as there was no trauma found to his body on examination. I found the following preliminary issues contributed to his death:- 1. He was climbing with no safety line 2. He was not wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid 3. He was not wearing clothing that offered no warmth in the water 4. He was not on his own 5. He had no means of requesting help such as a whistle, a waterproof phone or waterproof marine VHF radio 6. He had left no specific instructions as to where he was intending to climb and what time he would be home The main issue I wish to highlight are the dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters to those enjoying sports/pastimes/hobbies and who are unaware of the same. This is the reason I am including the RYA in this report. During the course of the inquest evidence was given that the sea temperature on 15/6/16 was around 12-13 degrees Celsius. The deeper one descends into water the colder one gets. The surface of the water is cooled by sea breeze. This temperature is in stark contrast to the air temperature found above the water and to the core body temperature of someone carrying out physical activity above the deep water. The consequence of someone falling into deep water who is unprepared for such an eventuality is panic, shortness of breath. Individuals can experience Cold Water Shock Syndrome. The pathologist in this case explained how in a relatively short period of time (taking into account the presence of all factors detailed above) he died as a result of hypothermia. It is the speed with which one can succumb to such a condition that I wish to highlight. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure to wear a lifejacket or buoyancy aid when climbing over deep water

Wider context from the report

“Liam Day was an experienced climber. He appears to have become interested in a relatively new climbing phenomenon of Deep Water Soloing (DWS). There are inherent risks of falling when climbing and it appears that the view held by those pursuing DWS is that by climbing over deep water you will reduce the risks of seriously injuring yourself should you fall. This is true of the deceased as there was no trauma found to his body on examination. I found the following preliminary issues contributed to his death:- 1. He was climbing with no safety line 2. He was not wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid 3. He was not wearing clothing that offered no warmth in the water 4. He was not on his own 5. He had no means of requesting help such as a whistle, a waterproof phone or waterproof marine VHF radio 6. He had left no specific instructions as to where he was intending to climb and what time he would be home The main issue I wish to highlight are the dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters to those enjoying sports/pastimes/hobbies and who are unaware of the same. This is the reason I am including the RYA in this report. During the course of the inquest evidence was given that the sea temperature on 15/6/16 was around 12-13 degrees Celsius. The deeper one descends into water the colder one gets. The surface of the water is cooled by sea breeze. This temperature is in stark contrast to the air temperature found above the water and to the core body temperature of someone carrying out physical activity above the deep water. The consequence of someone falling into deep water who is unprepared for such an eventuality is panic, shortness of breath. Individuals can experience Cold Water Shock Syndrome. The pathologist in this case explained how in a relatively short period of time (taking into account the presence of all factors detailed above) he died as a result of hypothermia. It is the speed with which one can succumb to such a condition that I wish to highlight. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Inadequate controls for drowning risks at open-water locations; Inadequate flotation protection for people entering deep open water.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure to leave specific location and return-time instructions for climbing activities

Wider context from the report

“Liam Day was an experienced climber. He appears to have become interested in a relatively new climbing phenomenon of Deep Water Soloing (DWS). There are inherent risks of falling when climbing and it appears that the view held by those pursuing DWS is that by climbing over deep water you will reduce the risks of seriously injuring yourself should you fall. This is true of the deceased as there was no trauma found to his body on examination. I found the following preliminary issues contributed to his death:- 1. He was climbing with no safety line 2. He was not wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid 3. He was not wearing clothing that offered no warmth in the water 4. He was not on his own 5. He had no means of requesting help such as a whistle, a waterproof phone or waterproof marine VHF radio 6. He had left no specific instructions as to where he was intending to climb and what time he would be home The main issue I wish to highlight are the dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters to those enjoying sports/pastimes/hobbies and who are unaware of the same. This is the reason I am including the RYA in this report. During the course of the inquest evidence was given that the sea temperature on 15/6/16 was around 12-13 degrees Celsius. The deeper one descends into water the colder one gets. The surface of the water is cooled by sea breeze. This temperature is in stark contrast to the air temperature found above the water and to the core body temperature of someone carrying out physical activity above the deep water. The consequence of someone falling into deep water who is unprepared for such an eventuality is panic, shortness of breath. Individuals can experience Cold Water Shock Syndrome. The pathologist in this case explained how in a relatively short period of time (taking into account the presence of all factors detailed above) he died as a result of hypothermia. It is the speed with which one can succumb to such a condition that I wish to highlight. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

Open source report

Source evidence

How this individual concern was interpreted

PFD Monitor created a concise, searchable interpretation from the report wording shown below. Response links show a clear evidence connection; they do not assign responsibility.

PFD Monitor interpretation

Failure to use a safety line when climbing over deep water

Wider context from the report

“Liam Day was an experienced climber. He appears to have become interested in a relatively new climbing phenomenon of Deep Water Soloing (DWS). There are inherent risks of falling when climbing and it appears that the view held by those pursuing DWS is that by climbing over deep water you will reduce the risks of seriously injuring yourself should you fall. This is true of the deceased as there was no trauma found to his body on examination. I found the following preliminary issues contributed to his death:- 1. He was climbing with no safety line 2. He was not wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid 3. He was not wearing clothing that offered no warmth in the water 4. He was not on his own 5. He had no means of requesting help such as a whistle, a waterproof phone or waterproof marine VHF radio 6. He had left no specific instructions as to where he was intending to climb and what time he would be home The main issue I wish to highlight are the dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters to those enjoying sports/pastimes/hobbies and who are unaware of the same. This is the reason I am including the RYA in this report. During the course of the inquest evidence was given that the sea temperature on 15/6/16 was around 12-13 degrees Celsius. The deeper one descends into water the colder one gets. The surface of the water is cooled by sea breeze. This temperature is in stark contrast to the air temperature found above the water and to the core body temperature of someone carrying out physical activity above the deep water. The consequence of someone falling into deep water who is unprepared for such an eventuality is panic, shortness of breath. Individuals can experience Cold Water Shock Syndrome. The pathologist in this case explained how in a relatively short period of time (taking into account the presence of all factors detailed above) he died as a result of hypothermia. It is the speed with which one can succumb to such a condition that I wish to highlight. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

No recurring-concern membership is currently published.

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

Update advice to foreground the rule that climbers should never undertake deep water soloing alone.

Verbatim wording from the response

“4. A BMC article from 2014 notes one golden rule for deep water soloing, to never go alone. In our updated advice we will ensure that this vital message is brought to the fore.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-BMC
Page 2 · response
Published 19 February 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

Update guidance to warn climbers about dangerously low coastal-water temperatures and Cold Water Shock.

Verbatim wording from the response

“3. The Regulation 28 Report notes the ‘dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters’ that climbers and others enjoying coastal activities may not be aware of. The BMC shares this concern and will make climbers aware of this serious risk in our guidance, including the phenomenon known as Cold Water Shock. The BMC will also raise this with guidebook writers.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-BMC
Page 2 · response
Published 19 February 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

Highlight in guidance that climbers should tell others their plans and expected return time.

Verbatim wording from the response

“6. The BMC’s reading of the report suggests to us that Liam telling others of his plans would unfortunately not have saved his life. Whilst not noted in the report, had Liam left a note of his plans his friends and family may have been spared some distress when he did not return, and the rescue services may have been able to focus their search more effectively.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-BMC
Page 2 · response
Published 19 February 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

Raise the risks of dangerously low coastal-water temperatures and Cold Water Shock with guidebook writers.

Verbatim wording from the response

“3. The Regulation 28 Report notes the ‘dangerously low temperatures in coastal waters’ that climbers and others enjoying coastal activities may not be aware of. The BMC shares this concern and will make climbers aware of this serious risk in our guidance, including the phenomenon known as Cold Water Shock. The BMC will also raise this with guidebook writers.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-BMC
Page 2 · response
Published 19 February 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

Refresh website safety information pages, prominently featuring cold water shock guidance.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Within the sports that the RYA represents, the value of wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and appropriate clothing is reasonably widely recognised. Nevertheless, the RYA has recently refreshed the safety information pages on its website (www.rya.org.uk/go/safety) and cold water shock appears prominently on the first page (under “look after yourself”). The RYA will be highlighting this safety information to its members through various electronic communications in the early part of this year, as well as in the RYA’s annual Safety Advisory Notice.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-RYA
Page 1 · response
Published 19 February 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

Highlight safety information to members through electronic communications and the annual Safety Advisory Notice.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Within the sports that the RYA represents, the value of wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and appropriate clothing is reasonably widely recognised. Nevertheless, the RYA has recently refreshed the safety information pages on its website (www.rya.org.uk/go/safety) and cold water shock appears prominently on the first page (under “look after yourself”). The RYA will be highlighting this safety information to its members through various electronic communications in the early part of this year, as well as in the RYA’s annual Safety Advisory Notice.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-RYA
Page 1 · response
Published 19 February 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

Tombstoning falls outside the organisation's represented activities and remit.

Verbatim wording from the response

“(It is important to note that deep water soloing, where the idea is to complete a climb and so not to fall in the water, is a completely different activity to tombstoning, which involves intentionally jumping into the sea, often from piers and other artificial structures. Tombstoning is not an activity that the BMC represents).”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-BMC
Page 1 · response
Published 19 February 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

Leaving plans with others would not have saved the climber's life, although it could reduce distress and improve search effectiveness.

Verbatim wording from the response

“6. The BMC’s reading of the report suggests to us that Liam telling others of his plans would unfortunately not have saved his life. Whilst not noted in the report, had Liam left a note of his plans his friends and family may have been spared some distress when he did not return, and the rescue services may have been able to focus their search more effectively.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-BMC
Page 2 · response
Published 19 February 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

Other members of a climbing party should be nearby to assist, because the guidance's golden rule is never to climb alone.

Verbatim wording from the response

“4. A BMC article from 2014 notes one golden rule for deep water soloing, to never go alone. In our updated advice we will ensure that this vital message is brought to the fore.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-BMC
Page 2 · response
Published 19 February 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

Wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid while climbing is impractical and may increase fall and neck-trauma risks.

Verbatim wording from the response

“2. Wearing a lifejacket or buoyancy aid whilst climbing would not be practical, and due to its size and weight would likely increase the probability of the climber falling. A buoyancy aid could also present the added risk of neck trauma, as the climber would decelerate faster than if they were not wearing a buoyancy aid.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-BMC
Page 1 · response
Published 19 February 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

Lifejackets, buoyancy aids and warm clothing could create significant hazards during climbing, increasing the likelihood of falling.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Although the RYA has no remit for mountaineering it seems to us that a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and the sort of clothing that offers warmth in water would present a significant hazard to the wearer while climbing, particularly “Deep Water Soloing”, and in fact increase the likelihood of the wearer falling.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-RYA
Page 1 · response
Published 19 February 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

Mountaineering falls outside the respondent’s remit, so it does not undertake responsive safety work for that activity.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Although the RYA has no remit for mountaineering it seems to us that a lifejacket or buoyancy aid and the sort of clothing that offers warmth in water would present a significant hazard to the wearer while climbing, particularly “Deep Water Soloing”, and in fact increase the likelihood of the wearer falling.”

Source location

2016-0402-Response-by-RYA
Page 1 · response
Published 19 February 2017

Open published response
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Information checked against the published report and official responses · Data reviewed 7 Sep 2026 · About data quality and limitations

Data last updated 7 September 2026