Student died trying to save teacher

Jason Dalton died at Morriston Hospital, Swansea

A 17-year-old boy who drowned while on a field trip with his college died accidentally, an inquest has heard.

The court in Merthyr had been told on Tuesday how Jason Dalton, from Bargoed, in the south Wales Valleys, was trying to save his lecturer and a fellow student - who both also nearly died.

The river Sychryd tends to swell after heavy rain

The tragedy unfolded last August after the two got into trouble while swimming in a swollen river during a walking trip to the Pontneddfechan waterfalls in the Neath Valley.

Recording the verdict from the jury, the coroner recommended that only trained supervisors should lead groups into the Pontneddfechan area.

Lecturer Alun Davies had earlier told the jury how he led six students on a walk along the banks of the river Sychryd when, as he had done several times in the past, he jumped 20ft from a ledge into a pool.

But, he said, after he had jumped a second time, he and a student were swept under a rock and nearly drowned.

Students reported seeing a "whirlpool" form in the water within a matter of seconds.

I saw his body floating facedown in the river.

Sarah Evans, Jason Dalton's girlfriend

Reports soon after the incident said heavy rain in the area at the time had made conditions treacherous.

Mr Dalton's girlfriend, Sarah Evans, then told how he had asked her for a kiss before he dived into the water to help his lecturer and fellow students.

She then watched as she was sucked under by the whirlpool.

"The water was even rougher and I saw him disappear," she said.

"His head came to the surface two or three times and he was thrashing around before he disappeared altogether.

"Then I saw his body floating facedown in the river."

No training

Mr Dalton was taken to Morriston Hospital in Swansea, but died soon after his arrival.

He had just started a 12-week personal development training course at Ystrad Mynach college, which involved activities outside the classroom.

Questioned by the solicitor's for Mr Dalton's family, Alun Davies said he had no outdoor pursuits qualifications, health and safety training or instructions from the college.

"I didn't think I needed them," he said

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. "I have always thought the pool was very safe and there are no signs saying it is unsafe."

He told the coroner's court that he had taken a pocket first aid kit and a rope borrowed from the college caretaker.

All the group had left their mobiles in the minibus in case they got wet and it took about half an hour to summon help.