PFD report

Alex Edward CROOK · Prevention of Future Deaths report

Pin Get email alerts Request correction

Issued 30 Jan 2025•Manchester West

Report record

Published report and response evidence

This page connects the concerns raised in this report with statements found in recipients’ published responses. A link shows a clear evidence connection; it does not assign responsibility.

View original report
Concerns
4

Raised in this report

Recipients
1

Named on the report

Responses found
1

Of 1 recipient

Stated actions
8

Described in responses

Recipients and published responses

Source document

Full report text

This is the full text from the original published report.

Open published report

Concerns and recipient responses

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

Concerns raised4

  1. Failure to site throw lines at obvious water entry points
    Part of recurring concern: Inadequate controls for drowning risks at open-water locations
  2. Failure to site water-safety signs close to obvious water entry points
    Part of recurring concern: Inadequate controls for drowning risks at open-water locations
  3. Failure to deliver statutory swimming lessons at key stages 1 and 2
    Part of recurring concern: Failure to provide adequate school swimming education
Responses linked to these concerns

Each statement is shown once, even when linked to more than one concern.

Actions described in response An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.4

  1. Action

    Install enlarged warning and prohibition signs covering all viable approaches to Scotman’s Flash.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 February 2025.
  2. Action

    Identify further support for swimming lessons for schools and young people.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 4 February 2025.
  3. Action

    Write to local authority-aided primary schools reminding them of their statutory swimming-lesson obligations.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilStated completedThe respondent said that this action was complete when they made their response on 4 February 2025.

Respondent positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when it does not describe a specific action.1

  1. Position

    Responsibility for ensuring National Curriculum swimming provision rests with individual schools, not the local authority.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilRedirects responsibilityThe respondent said that another organisation was responsible for deciding or taking action.

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 site throw lines at obvious water entry points

Wider context from the report

“It was established in evidence that throw lines are the most effective life-saving equipment. It was noted that the proposal is to locate these away from obvious entry points. This would seem to be likely to make them less effective than if they were sited at the more obvious entry points. The need for such equipment, as with the signage, is urgent. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Inadequate controls for drowning risks at open-water locations.

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 site water-safety signs close to obvious water entry points

Wider context from the report

“I am informed that signs have been erected as recently as 29 January 2025 at Scotsmans Flash yet these do not contain the words "no unauthorised swimming". It was agreed in evidence that if such signs were erected expeditiously close to the obvious entry points to the water, it might deter such use. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Inadequate controls for drowning risks at open-water locations.

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 deliver statutory swimming lessons at key stages 1 and 2

Wider context from the report

“He did not have statutory swimming lessons at key stage 1 or 2 and I am informed that three schools in Wigan area still in breach of statutory duty to deliver such lessons. ”

Is this part of a recurring concern?

Yes — Failure to provide adequate school swimming education.

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 of water-safety signs to state no unauthorised swimming

Wider context from the report

“I am informed that signs have been erected as recently as 29 January 2025 at Scotsmans Flash yet these do not contain the words "no unauthorised swimming". It was agreed in evidence that if such signs were erected expeditiously close to the obvious entry points to the water, it might deter such use. ”

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

Install enlarged warning and prohibition signs covering all viable approaches to Scotman’s Flash.

Verbatim wording from the response

“In respect of the signage, five signs have now been installed at Scotman’s Flash, which clearly and visibly warn the public of the dangers of deep water and cold-water shock. All viable approaches to Scotman’s Flash have now been covered by appropriate signage, these signs are much larger than previous signs. It was also agreed during the site inspection that supplementary prohibition signage including the wording “No unauthorised swimming or boating” will be added to the current signs. The prohibition signage has been produced and installed at Scotman’s Flash.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 3 · response
Published 4 February 2025

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

Identify further support for swimming lessons for schools and young people.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I can confirm that the three schools in the Wigan area that had not provided swimming lessons at the time of the inquest have now all engaged and have booked swimming lessons. Furthermore, Mabs Cross Primary School, which is the primary school Alex attended having engaged in school swimming lessons with the Council for over 20 years and Alex’s class did engage in lessons when Alex was a pupil at the school. The WWSP also agreed an action to identify further support for swimming lessons for schools and young people. Common barriers to accessing swimming lessons tend to include class sizes, lack of year 6 mop up sessions, parental consent needed for attendance, transport costs and funding for high school swimming lessons, all of which are being considered by the WWSP in respect of a potential local pilot for free swimming lessons for young people within the borough.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 2 · response
Published 4 February 2025

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

Write to local authority-aided primary schools reminding them of their statutory swimming-lesson obligations.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The WWSP met on 27th February 2025 and one of the actions from this meeting was that a letter was to be sent to all local authority aided primary schools in the Wigan borough in respect of the provision of swimming lessons. The duty to provide swimming lessons in primary schools as part of the National Curriculum is imposed on schools. Academies are not required to follow the National Curriculum, so therefore are not under a duty to provide swimming lessons. Local authorities are under a duty to promote high standards of education but the responsibility to ensure that the National Curriculum is provided lies with the individual schools. I can confirm that the Local Authority has written to all local authority aided schools within the Wigan Borough to remind them of the school’s obligations, as part of the National Curriculum, to provide swimming lessons for pupils.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 2 · response
Published 4 February 2025

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

Install three throwline boards at the agreed locations, including one repositioned nearer likely swimming locations.

Verbatim wording from the response

“A Throwline board B Throwline board C Throwline board”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 3 · response
Published 4 February 2025

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

Responsibility for ensuring National Curriculum swimming provision rests with individual schools, not the local authority.

Verbatim wording from the response

“The WWSP met on 27th February 2025 and one of the actions from this meeting was that a letter was to be sent to all local authority aided primary schools in the Wigan borough in respect of the provision of swimming lessons. The duty to provide swimming lessons in primary schools as part of the National Curriculum is imposed on schools. Academies are not required to follow the National Curriculum, so therefore are not under a duty to provide swimming lessons. Local authorities are under a duty to promote high standards of education but the responsibility to ensure that the National Curriculum is provided lies with the individual schools. I can confirm that the Local Authority has written to all local authority aided schools within the Wigan Borough to remind them of the school’s obligations, as part of the National Curriculum, to provide swimming lessons for pupils.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 2 · response
Published 4 February 2025

Open published response

Other statements in published responses

These actions and other statements could not be clearly connected to one concern in this report.

Recipient-stated actions An action is something a recipient says it has done, is doing, or plans to do in response to a concern raised.4

  1. 1

    Continue considering risk assessments, public engagement and education activities through the Wigan Water Safety Partnership.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 February 2025.
  2. 2

    Bring reports of deaths in or around Wigan open water bodies to Water Safety Partnership meetings for cross-agency learning.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 February 2025.
  3. 3

    Have Council water-body risk assessments quality reviewed by an expert Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service officer.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilStated plannedThe respondent said that this action was planned when they made their response on 4 February 2025.
  4. 4

    Undertake risk reviews with action plans for Council water bodies.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilStated in progressThe respondent said that this action was in progress when they made their response on 4 February 2025.

Recipient positions A position is what a recipient says about a concern when they do not describe a specific action.1

  1. 1

    Five safety signs and three throwline boards are considered proportionate and sufficient for Scotman’s Flash based on its assessed water risk.

    Stated by Wigan Borough CouncilExisting arrangements considered sufficientThe respondent said that existing arrangements were sufficient, so no further action was needed.

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

Continue considering risk assessments, public engagement and education activities through the Wigan Water Safety Partnership.

Verbatim wording from the response

“These risk assessments will be further quality reviewed by an expert GMFRS officer. Risk assessments, public engagement and education activities will continue to be considered by the WWSP. WWSP is due to meet again on 19th May 2025.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 4 · response
Published 4 February 2025

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

Bring reports of deaths in or around Wigan open water bodies to Water Safety Partnership meetings for cross-agency learning.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I would also like to provide further assurances on the work that Wigan Council and the WWSP are undertaking around the Report to Prevent Future Deaths. Any Reports received where a death has occurred in/around an open body of water within the Wigan Borough will be taken to and discussed at the Water Safety Partnership meetings. This ensures that key learning and insights around events, such as the sad death of Alex, are shared across all agencies involved in the management and safety of open bodies of water and helps us to pay close attention to any emerging trends that may require further review and action. I can confirm that a risk review process with action plans is also being undertaken for Council water bodies across the Wigan borough, the level of works proposed will be dependent on the level of risk identified at each site.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 4 · response
Published 4 February 2025

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

Have Council water-body risk assessments quality reviewed by an expert Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service officer.

Verbatim wording from the response

“These risk assessments will be further quality reviewed by an expert GMFRS officer. Risk assessments, public engagement and education activities will continue to be considered by the WWSP. WWSP is due to meet again on 19th May 2025.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 4 · response
Published 4 February 2025

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 risk reviews with action plans for Council water bodies.

Verbatim wording from the response

“I would also like to provide further assurances on the work that Wigan Council and the WWSP are undertaking around the Report to Prevent Future Deaths. Any Reports received where a death has occurred in/around an open body of water within the Wigan Borough will be taken to and discussed at the Water Safety Partnership meetings. This ensures that key learning and insights around events, such as the sad death of Alex, are shared across all agencies involved in the management and safety of open bodies of water and helps us to pay close attention to any emerging trends that may require further review and action. I can confirm that a risk review process with action plans is also being undertaken for Council water bodies across the Wigan borough, the level of works proposed will be dependent on the level of risk identified at each site.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 4 · response
Published 4 February 2025

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

Five safety signs and three throwline boards are considered proportionate and sufficient for Scotman’s Flash based on its assessed water risk.

Verbatim wording from the response

“Following the site inspection, all organisations present endorsed the Council’s decision (based on its latest risk assessment dated 6th December 2024) that the site should have five safety signs and three throwline boards. The Chair of the Greater Manchester Water Safety Strategic Partnership, who is also a Water Safety Development Officer attended the site inspection and was of the view that the proposals for Scotman’s Flash are proportionate and sufficient for a water risk location of the size and type as seen at Scotman’s Flash. There are only two locations in Greater Manchester with a higher density of water safety infrastructure, which are the Rochdale Canal in Manchester City centre and Salford Quays. Both locations have had many more fatal and non-fatal water incidents and have a much higher level of public access.”

Source location

Response from Wigan Metropolitan Borough Council
Page 3 · response
Published 4 February 2025

Open published response
Back to top

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