Nerys Lloyd pleaded guilty to manslaughter after four people drowned during a paddleboarding trip in Pembrokeshire.
Lloyd, age 39, owned Salty Dog. She led the trip on the River Cleddau in Haverfordwest on October 30, 2021, which turned tragic. Mr. O’Dwyer, 42, was from Port Talbot, Ms. Rogers, 24, was from Merthyr Tydfil, and Ms. Wheatley, 40, was from Pontarddulais; all three died at the scene in Pembrokeshire. Ms. Powell, 41, from Bridgend, died later in hospital on November 5, 2021.
The victims joined the paddle tour led by instructor Lloyd, with Mr. O’Dwyer as her co-instructor. Flooding and severe weather warnings were in effect that day, and the river flowed very fast, making Haverfordwest Town Weir “extremely hazardous”.
As the group approached the weir, Ms. Rogers, Ms. Wheatley, and Ms. Powell were pulled over. They were trapped in its base. Initially, Mr. O’Dwyer exited the water, but then re-entered the weir to rescue them. He was immediately dragged over, and all four people drowned.
Investigators determined the tour should not have taken place due to the weir’s danger. They also found Lloyd lacked the proper qualifications, her planning was “inadequate,” and her supervision was insufficient.
Lloyd appeared in Swansea Crown Court and pleaded guilty to manslaughter due to gross negligence. She also admitted failing to fulfill her duty under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Judge Mrs. Justice Stacey delayed sentencing until April 15, releasing Lloyd on bail. The judge cautioned that this release didn’t indicate the final sentence. Lloyd’s lawyer, David Elias KC, stated she was “advised” on the potential outcome.
Lisa Rose, a prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service, stated after the hearing the tragedy was avoidable. She said Lloyd did not inspect the weir or check its state before the tour began.
Most participants had little experience, and coupled with Lloyd’s lack of proper qualifications she shouldn’t have taken people out under such conditions. The conditions were too hazardous; there was no safety briefing, no formal risk assessments, and participants weren’t told they would be traversing a weir, nor did they receive instruction on getting out.
Lloyd made the final decision to proceed, therefore the responsibility fell entirely on her. Rose said the convictions may bring some justice, and her thoughts are with the victim’s families.