Nerys Lloyd, owner and sole director of Salty Dog Co Ltd, has been sentenced to ten years and six months in prison for gross negligence manslaughter following the deaths of four paddleboarders in Haverfordwest Town Weir on the River Cleddau, Wales.
The incident
On 30 October 2021, Lloyd, assisted by instructor Paul O’Dwyer, organised a paddleboarding excursion despite heavy flooding and severe weather warnings.
As the group approached the weir, participants were pulled over the weir into its base and became trapped. Tragically, Paul O’Dwyer (42), Andrea Powell (41), Morgan Rogers (24) and Nicola Wheatley (40) lost their lives due to drowning.
The legal proceedings
A joint investigation by Dyfed-Powys Police and the Health and Safety Executive revealed that Lloyd was not correctly qualified to take inexperienced paddleboarders out in such conditions. She failed to plan or assess the risk at the weir or take basic safety measures, and did not discuss the hazards with participants.
Lloyd pleaded guilty to four counts of gross negligence manslaughter and failing to discharge a duty under section 3(2) and 33(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
During the sentencing hearing at Swansea Crown Court, Mrs Justice Stacey condemned Lloyd for placing all parties in the group in “extreme danger” and noted that her “approach to health and safety was abysmal”.
Industry impact and lessons learned
The case has raised serious concerns about safety standards in the hospitality and leisure sector. It emphasises the importance of sufficient qualifications, risk assessments and adherence to safety guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.
National bodies including British Stand Up Paddle Association, British Canoeing Awarding Body and the British Kitesurfing Association provide guidance for water-related sports, and these should be reviewed and included in safety preparation.
How can Birketts assist?
Our Regulatory and Corporate Defence Team is highly experienced in dealing with health and safety matters. Our specialist team is on hand to review and update health and safety policies to ensure sufficient measures are in place. Please do get in touch with Julie Gowland with any queries.
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The content of this article is for general information only. It is not, and should not be taken as, legal advice. If you require any further information in relation to this article please contact the author in the first instance. Law covered as at May 2025.