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Deaths of boy, 12, and man who drowned helping a client in Scottish rivers 'could have been avoided', inquiry finds

Kayden Walker, 12, who drowned on the River Tay during a riverboarding session after becoming trapped against a weir, was among two victims whose deaths an inquiry found could have been avoided.
Kayden Walker, 12, who drowned on the River Tay during a riverboarding session after becoming trapped against a weir, was among two victims whose deaths an inquiry found could have been avoided.

Kayden Walker, a 12-year-old from Glasgow with limited swimming ability, died in July 2019 after being separated from his board during a riverboarding session on the River Tay and becoming trapped against a weir. Sheriff Keith O'Mahony, publishing his determination on Tuesday, concluded both deaths could have been avoided and issued safety recommendations for the adventure activities sector.

Ruaridh Stevenson, 39, from Cupar, Fife, drowned in April 2024 trying to help a client in difficulty at Dollar Glen, Stirling.

The sheriff recommended the Health and Safety Executive formally review whether commercial riverboarding for under-18s should fall within the Adventure Activities Licensing regime.

Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd was prosecuted and fined just £10,000 for the health-and-safety breach that led to Kayden's death.

MoreBBC News - ScotlandMan and boy's deaths during water activities 'could have been avoided'Evening StandardSheriff makes safety recommendations after water deaths inquirySTV NewsWater sport drownings of schoolboy and man could have been avoided, fatal accident inquiry finds - STV NewsRayoInquiry finds water death of Glasgow schoolboy could have been avoided - Rayowww.the-independent.comSheriff makes safety recommendations after water deaths inquiry - www.the-independent.comThe TimesWatersports deaths of man and boy ‘could have been avoided’
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