Teen's family to help water safety lakes review

Lake District authorities have pledged to work with the family of a teenager who drowned in a tarn to review water safety measures.

Absi Ahmed Mohammad, 17 and from Poulton-le-Fylde in Lancashire, died at High Dam near Windermere on 7 April after suffering cold water shock while swimming with friends.

Following his inquest, the Lake District National Park Authority (LDNPA) said it would review issues such as signage and the placement of life-saving equipment at the end of the summer season.

The inquest heard Absi's family wanted to be involved, with ranger team leader Steven Tatlock confirming they would be.

The inquest heard Absi, a "lovely and kind" student, was on a day out with friends when tragedy struck as they were in High Dam, a popular spot for open water swimming near Finsthwaite.

He was not a strong swimmer and got into difficulty in the 11C water as the group tried to reach an island 150m off the shore.

There was nothing his friends could do to save him, Cumbria coroner Kirsty Gomersal said.

The group of "very sensible" 17-year-olds had planned their excursion carefully, but Gomersal said "terrible things" could happen despite plenty of planning.

The coroner urged people to follow safety guidance for open water swimming, including:

• Go with organised groups and events
• Use buoyancy aids
• Research unknown areas
• Understand swimming in a heated pool is different to open water where cold water shock can have a much bigger affect than anticipated
• Learn and practice the float to live technique

The inquest heard there was a sign at High Dam car park which included water safety advice and a single throw-line at the southern end of the tarn.

The boys were swimming on the western shore about a five-minute walk from the tarn.

Tatlock said the possible addition of a second throw-line nearer to where the boys were would be considered as part of the review.

He said the existing throw-line had been strategically placed at the point where most people reached the tarn and near the beach predominantly used by swimmers.

Julie Wood, for the LDNPA, told the inquest safety signage and equipment was placed at "key" waterside locations but it was "impossible" to put them "everywhere".

Posters advocating water safety techniques are also put up at peak times, but they lose their affect if left up permanently, the inquest heard.

Both Tatlock and Cumbria Police told the inquest Absi's death was the first incident they knew of at the tarn.

Speaking to the BBC after the hearing in Workington, Tatlock said Absi's death was "tragic" but he had been "enormously impressed by the dignity" shown by the teenager's family.

He said: "Whenever this kind of thing happens and at the end of every season, we review the information we put out.

"So we'll review all that and if we need to make changes we will."

He said he had already met Absi's family, adding: "They want to support us in the work we do and we want to take their thoughts and concerns into account.

"We'll work together on making the best use of the information we've got and that they want to put out there."

Tatlock said visitors should seek advice and information from people familiar with the locations or "trusted sources" as the LDNPA's website or the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents.

"There is good information online, have a look at it and make use of it," he said.

Absi's family did not attend the inquest but representatives said they wanted to work with the LDNPA to see what lessons could be learned and steps taken to prevent any other deaths.

To float, people are advised to:

• Tilt their head back with their ears submerged
• Relax and try to breathe normally
• Move their hands and feet to help them stay afloat
• Not panic if their legs sink as everyone floats differently
• Practise floating in a swimming pool

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