David Dooley
10 Apr 2019 · Coroner Gilva Tisshaw · Brighton and Hove
The coroner's concerns
1. unknown location of life lines
“The exact location of the life lines on Brighton seafront were not known to the Police officers who attended the scene of the incident”
2. lack of police awareness of life line locations
“Steps should be taken to increase the police awareness of the location of life lines and their use, so that they can be used more expeditiously”
3. public unaware of sea dangers with alcohol or drugs
“Steps should be taken to increase the public awareness of the dangers of the sea and the risks of entering the sea when having consumed alcohol and/or having taken drugs”
4. police water safety training improvements
“It should be noted that I have spoken with a representative of Sussex Police and they have looked closely at this incident on the 13% ctober and have made significant changes in their water safety training”
5. lack of public awareness of alcohol drug and weather risks in sea swimming
“As regards increasing public awareness as to the dangers of swimming whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs and in adverse weather conditions, liaison should be undertaken with representatives of night club security and representatives of the Seafront Operations Manager's Office and the Local Sea Safety Forum”
Responses
2019-0127-Response-by-Sussex-Police.pdf ↗· Sussex Police
Stated action · 1° July 2019
“The officers and staff that attended the tragic incident in which Mr [name redacted] lost his life did know of the existence of publicly available throw lines/rings, but did not know their exact location.”
Stated action · 1184/2019
“Following on from previous action taken by Sussex Police in relation to water safety awareness and additional training for police officers and staff, 'throw lines' were purchased and made part of the standard equipment for all Sussex Police marked Response vehicles in August 2018.”
Stated action · immediate effect
“In incidents where a person has entered the water, on shore or inland, where there is a CCTV view, the identification of life saving equipment, such as throw lines, should be highlighted to attending officers/staff and members of the public who may have called on 999,”
Stated action · 1** September 2019
“The intention is to share this with the Brighton & Hove Crime Reduction Partnership which will include night time economy workers such as door staff.”