The family of 24-year-old Emma Powell, who tragically drowned last July while paddleboarding in the estuary of the River Conwy, has called for all paddleboards to be equipped with quick-release leashes.
Tesco, where Emma and her cousin purchased the paddleboards, has announced it will affix a safety sticker to all of its paddleboards in response to the tragedy. The British Canoeing-designed sticker illustrates how to wear a leash in different paddling conditions, and a QR code leads to a website with additional safety tips.
The coroner raised concerns about paddleboard safety and retailers’ responsibilities during the investigation into Emma’s death. Emma and her cousin were not wearing life jackets, but after Emma’s surfboard collided with the side of the jetty, she became submerged and drowned.
The brother-in-law of Emma Mike Tasker stated that Tesco’s response was “pretty good,” but he pressed for additional change. He stated, “I believe more needs to be done.” “The ankle leash Emma was wearing that night, which came with the board, was the direct cause of our beloved Emma’s death. If it is possible to prevent this from occurring in the future, we will do everything in our power to do so.”
Tasker added that the loss of Emma has profoundly affected them and will never be forgotten. “We miss her terribly,” he stated.
The family of Emma Powell, who died tragically while paddleboarding in the River Conwy Estuary, is calling for changes to be made so that no one else must endure the same tragedy. Tesco has announced that it will affix safety stickers to all of its paddleboards following the conclusion of an investigation into her death. The British Canoeing-designed sticker illustrates how to wear a leash in different paddling conditions and provides a link to a website with additional safety tips. Mike Tasker, the brother-in-law of Emma, stated that he believes more needs to be done and that the family will do everything possible in the future to prevent this from happening again.
