**Coroner Suggests Lifeguards Could Have Saved Welsh Teen at Beach Tradition**
A coroner has stated that the tragic drowning of 15-year-old David Ejimofor at Aberavon Beach, Port Talbot, might have been prevented had lifeguards been present. The teenager lost his life in June 2023 after partaking in a post-examination ritual, widely recognised among local pupils as a “coming of age ceremony” at the end of the academic year.
David, described by his family as a “vibrant and promising young boy”, had joined friends at the breakwater during high tide to leap into the water, a tradition that marks the conclusion of exams for many in the area. Despite being swiftly taken to Princess of Wales Hospital in Bridgend, efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. The circumstances surrounding his death have since cast a spotlight on beach safety and the responsibilities of local authorities.
Assistant Coroner Edward Ramsay highlighted in his report that, unlike previous years, no lifeguard was present near the pier or breakwater on that day—a decision for which he said no satisfactory explanation was offered during the inquest. “In the past, lifeguards had been stationed at or around the pier to deter this activity,” Ramsay wrote. “No lifeguard was present when David jumped, and had there been one, it is possible that David would not have drowned.”
Ramsay further expressed concern over the lack of effective preventive measures, warning that without intervention, other lives may be at risk. The danger of children and teenagers using the breakwater for jumps is well-known locally, the coroner noted, especially when the weather improves and tides are high in spring and summer. The absence of lifeguards and other deterrents on the day, according to Ramsay, left youngsters exposed to potentially fatal risks.
In the wake of this tragedy, David’s family launched a petition urging Neath Port Talbot Council to increase beach safety. The petition emphasised that the “yearly coming-of-age ceremony” is widely recognised across the community and schools, raising questions as to why authorities had not acted to mitigate the danger.
David’s relatives paid tribute to him, describing him as “well-behaved and God-fearing” with a strong passion for sports and health. “He was always striving to be the best version of himself, with an infectious smile, caring nature, and boundless enthusiasm,” reads the family’s heartfelt statement. They hope that his death will not be overlooked, but instead prompt genuine change to ensure no other family must suffer a similar loss.
The coroner’s report also addressed measures the council has implemented since David’s passing, such as clearer signs and a reduced-height barrier. However, Ramsay questioned the effectiveness of these steps, stating, “I have not seen any evidence that other deterrence measures put in place since David’s death are working effectively to reduce the risk.”
Open reporting of inquests is widely understood to be crucial for public accountability. Journalists have a legal right to attend such proceedings, providing transparency and ensuring issues raising public concern receive due attention. Inquest reports, while distressing, can clarify the circumstances of untimely deaths, dispel misinformation, and—importantly—lead to changes aimed at preventing similar tragedies. Although not every family wishes to engage with the press, those that do often feel their loved one’s story might help protect others in the future.
David’s family, writing as part of their appeal, stated: “If everyone, including schools, is aware of this practice, surely we would expect the council to have better safeguarding measures in place, especially at this time of year.” They stressed the need for change, noting that David was not the first to be lost to the dangers of the breakwater. “We do not want David to be another statistic,” they wrote, calling for his name to symbolise an end to the pattern of such tragedies.
The coroner’s recommendations have now been formally passed to Neath Port Talbot Council, Associated British Ports, and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, who are expected to respond within 56 days. The community awaits their response, hoping for robust action that will ensure Aberavon Beach is safer for future generations.