A JURY in the inquest of a former Worcester schoolgirl who died while river boarding in New Zealand has returned a verdict of death by misadventure.
Emily Jordan, of Trimpley, near Bewdley, died in 2008 after she became trapped underwater for 20 minutes while river boarding on the Kawarau river in Queenstown.
The former Alice Ottley pupil had been on a gap year with boyfriend Jonathan Armour when the tragedy happened.
After returning the verdict, the jury’s foreman said several factors had contributed to the 21-year-old’s death.
He said: “Firstly, information and instruction were not given to clients in a way that clearly represented the true risks of danger.
"Secondly, the training received by the guides was inadequate for emergency rescue and entrapment and not specific to this particular activity of river boarding.
"It was not regulated by an external body.
“Thirdly, lack of essential lifesaving equipment to hand – such as a whistle, rope and knife – was a major factor in delaying the speed of rescue.
“Also, the one-size-fits-all life jacket was clearly unsuitable for river boarding in respect of buoyancy and lack of safety features, such as crotch strap, D-ring and whistle attachment.
"Furthermore, a rescue craft was not available.”
Previously Mr Armour, the only witness in court, had given a graphic description of the events that day.
He described Miss Jordan as fit, slender, a good swimmer and someone who was conversant with a lot of water activities.
Statements read out from members of Serious Fun River Surfing, which came to assist Mad Dog guides in retrieving Miss Jordan’s body, described how six people formed a human chain and tied a noose around her body to pull her free but attempts to resuscitate her failed.
Speaking outside the inquest in Smethwick, West Midlands, Miss Jordan’s father Chris said: “Emily was a bright, intelligent girl.
"She enjoyed life and having fun but would not have taken unnecessary risks.
"We do not want other families to go through what we have and, indeed, others that we know in the UK.
"So to these young people we want to say please be careful and come home safe.”
Coroner Robin Balmain said it would not be right to interfere in New Zealand affairs by making recommendations.
He said the New Zealand authorities had already launched an inquiry.
“The catalyst for the inquiry was Emily’s death and the determined efforts made by her father, who has been tireless throughout this case to see that lessons can be learned where possible and appropriate action taken to lessen the risks to those who participate in these sports,” he said.
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