A young boy who tragically drowned during a river boarding excursion was permitted to participate despite possessing only the most basic swimming skills, a fatal accident inquiry has been told. Kayden Walker, aged 12, from Bridgeton in Glasgow, lost his life after attending a day out organised by the Church House Community Group, which arranges activity days for young people.
Limited Swimming Ability Revealed
The inquiry at Falkirk Sheriff Court heard that Kayden could not swim more than 33 feet unaided. While this meant he was not an absolute beginner, it indicated he had only fundamental confidence in the water. According to established Scottish guidelines, competent swimmers should be capable of managing 25 metres – approximately 82 feet – without assistance and without stopping.
Events Leading to the Tragedy
On July 28, 2019, Kayden was river boarding with the group on the River Tay near Stanley in Perthshire. During the activity, he became separated from his board and was tragically trapped on the upstream side of a weir. He was pulled from the water and rushed to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee before being transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow, where he died the following day.
Organiser's Testimony and Safety Reliance
Angela Molloy, 55, who was the project manager for Church House Community Group at the time, provided evidence to the inquiry. Mrs Molloy, who has since left the organisation and now works as a community service officer, stated that participants did not need to be able to swim to take part in the activity.
She explained, "When we had the very first meeting, it was as long as they're comfortable in the water." The court heard that Kayden had previously attended several other water-based sporting events with the group, including white water rafting and wake boarding.
Mrs Molloy emphasised that Church House relied heavily on the expertise of Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd, which led the river boarding event. "On the day, I paid an expert to provide the activity and everything that goes along with that," she said. "My job was youth worker and project manager, not an outdoor activity instructor. That's why we rely on them to provide this service."
Warning Signs and Subsequent Changes
The inquiry also heard that there were multiple warning signs in the area stating: 'Deep water, strong currents, no swimming.' Mrs Molloy acknowledged she did not see these signs while driving the group to the river location.
Since the tragic incident, Church House has enhanced its risk assessment procedures before excursions. However, the group still allows non-swimmers to attend water sports events if the contracted company deems it appropriate.
Legal Proceedings and Related Case
In 2024, at Perth Sheriff Court, Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd admitted a breach of health and safety legislation concerning Kayden's death and was fined £10,000. The current fatal accident inquiry is also examining the death of Ruaridh Stevenson, 39, from Cupar in Fife.
Mr Stevenson drowned on April 13, 2024, after attempting to assist a client who experienced difficulties in the waters flowing through Dollar Glen in Clackmannanshire. The inquiry is expected to hear further evidence related to both incidents over a period of ten days or more.
The tragic case highlights critical questions about safety standards, supervision responsibilities, and the adequacy of swimming ability assessments for children participating in adventurous water activities.
