A 15-year-old Nigerian boy, David Chiaka Ejimofor, tragically drowned after jumping off a pier in Aberavon, Neath Port Talbot, South Wales, on June 19, 2023.
At an inquest into his death, Coroner Edward Ramsay highlighted a lack of effective safety measures that might have prevented the incident. He noted that while signage warning against access was present, there was no physical barrier to stop David from entering the breakwater area.
The coroner said, “I have no idea if he saw the signage stating no access, and even if he did, there was no physical barrier deterring entry.” He added that had a lifeguard been on duty at the time, David might not have jumped and the drowning could have been avoided.
David, described by his mother Maria Ejimofor as a cautious swimmer, had received swimming lessons in the past. Internet searches on his phone suggested he was planning to go swimming that day but had expressed some hesitation about jumping into the water.
Mr. Ramsay explained that the breakwater “should not have been used” for jumping into the sea, yet access was effectively unrestricted. Upon entering the water, David quickly found himself in trouble due to limited swimming ability, despite frantic rescue efforts by friends.
The coroner formally acknowledged the heroic efforts of off-duty police officer Tyler Rowland, who helped bring David to shore, as well as members of the public who performed CPR.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) commented that lifeguard cover is a key safety measure and explained that RNLI patrols typically operate from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., the periods identified as highest risk.
Despite emergency services’ efforts, David was pronounced dead at the scene at 8:05 p.m.
Coroner Ramsay expressed his condolences to David’s family and said he plans to issue a prevention of future deaths report to address safety concerns.
In response, Associated British Ports, owner of the breakwater, extended “deepest sympathy” to David’s loved ones and said it continues to work with local partners to improve water safety in Port Talbot.
Neath Port Talbot Council also offered condolences and confirmed it is collaborating with the RNLI to monitor beach safety for the upcoming 2025 season. The council pledged to respond fully to the coroner’s concerns in due course.
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