Inquest Reveals Lack of Warning Signs in Teen's Death
The death of a 13-year-old girl who was swept into the sea while sitting on a set of disused steps could have been prevented if there had been signs prohibiting entry, an inquest has concluded.
Edie Smart, from Monkseaton in North Tyneside, was enjoying a day out with a friend in Whitley Bay when she was pulled into the sea in July.
At Newcastle Coroners' Court, senior coroner Georgina Nolan recorded Edie's death as accidental but expressed concerns over the absence of "no entry" signs at the location.
She also highlighted delays by HM Coastguard teams in requesting assistance from lifeguards, noting that lifeguards would have reached Edie while she was still alive if called sooner.
Details of the Incident
The inquest heard that Edie, described as a "well and competent swimmer," had been enjoying the "hot sunny weather" with her friend when they visited an area of the promenade that was "easily accessible."
Upon reaching a lower promenade, they entered a "railed-off" area by breaching a second railing to sit atop disused steps where there were no signs prohibiting entry and the railings were "easily breached."
"Edie had no intention of swimming that day but a large wave surged up and swept her into the sea," Nolan said.
"I find that the measures taken to discourage members of public from the area were not adequate and if a sign had been present Edie would have taken heed. She would not have entered the area or been washed into the sea."
Response and Rescue Efforts
The inquest revealed that Edie was alive and breathing for several minutes after being pulled into the water before losing consciousness.
Previous hearings explained that HM Coastguard teams did not immediately call for help from nearby beach lifeguards, as lifeguards are not considered a "declared asset" and thus are not part of the initial emergency response.
Two lifeguards were the first to successfully reach Edie, but by the time they arrived, she was unconscious and in cardiac arrest, Nolan stated.
Edie was then transferred onto a lifeboat and brought to shore, where two ambulance support practitioners from North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) were the first medical professionals on scene.
However, the inquest previously heard that these ambulance support practitioners were not authorized to use an I-Gel, an advanced airway management device, as its use is reserved for paramedics or must be administered under paramedic supervision.
Coroner's Recommendations and Official Responses
Nolan indicated she would be preparing a report aimed at preventing future deaths, based on evidence from NEAS crews suggesting it might be beneficial for ambulance support practitioners to use such equipment without paramedic guidance, given they often arrive before paramedics.
"It may be useful for such equipment to be used by them without paramedic guidance," Nolan said, referencing the evidence.
Following the ruling, NEAS director of quality and safety Julia Young stated the service would "carefully reflect on Edie's care" and provide a "full and detailed" response to the coroner regarding the use of the equipment.
A spokesperson for North Tyneside Council acknowledged the coroner's findings, stating:
"Regular independent safety inspections, both before and since Edie's tragic death, found the railings to be safe, adequate and compliant with British and European standards, and this is the first incident of its kind at that location.
In light of the coroner's verdict, the local authority will urgently re-engage with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to carry out a further review of safety measures in the area."
Tributes and Family Response
RNLI head of region Rebecca Felton expressed gratitude for the family's public support during the inquest, saying:
"We are extremely grateful for her mum and dad's public display of thanks and support during the inquest.
We also want to thank them for supporting fundraising and the sharing of water safety messages in Edie's memory."
Paying tribute to Edie's family, Nolan said they had been "incredibly brave" and conducted themselves in a "dignified way."
As the inquest concluded, Edie's father Paul said:
"As we continue to come to terms with our loss, we will now look to celebrate and cherish the memories we have of Edie and the immeasurable joy she brought to our lives."
