AFTER A STUDENT DROWNED in a canal a coroner ruled that action must be taken to improve safety.
William Webb fell into the Shropshire Union Canal in Chester when walking home after an evening of drinking.
Found body in canal
He was reported missing after he failed to return home on 22nd November last year. A search found his body in the canal the following day.
The coroner at Warrington Coroners' Court returned a conclusion that the death was accidental, and ruled William likely fell into the water in the early hours of the morning while making his way home and died by drowning.
Davies went on to issue a prevention of future deaths report in the wake of the tragedy, with the report to Canal & River Trust stating there was no safety equipment which could assist someone in the water.
No signage
The coroner stated there was also no signage nearby to warn people of the potential danger posed by the waterway,adding:
“Once under the influence of alcohol, or perhaps another substance, it is then not inconceivable that they then take less care/are more willing to engage in risky behaviors.
“The canal is near to their accommodation, which makes it more likely that they will be in that area. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken."