Pond tragedy 'heroism' applauded

David Lewis was pronounced dead at Prince Philip Hospital

A coroner in Llanelli has praised the bravery of youngsters who tried to revive a drunken 19-year-old non-swimmer who drowned in a pond.

David Lewis, of Llwynhendy, Llanelli, was dragged from Dafen Ponds, Felinfoel, by about a dozen teenagers on 24 June, but he died in hospital.

His friend, Andrew Evans, 21, was arrested, but police decided no further criminal action should be taken, coroner Polly Mainwarring was told.

Verdict: accidental death.

I would like to commend the bravery and courage of all those who tried to save the deceased Deputy Carmarthenshire coroner Polly Mainwarring

The men had arrived at the pond with two teenage girls and engaged in what witnesses described as horseplay, said Det Insp Malcolm Evans.

After several hours the pair stripped off and continued playing in the water until Mr Evans encouraged Mr Lewis to go in deeper.

Several witnesses heard Mr Lewis say to his friend: "Do not take me out too far - I cannot swim."

Within moments, said Det Insp Evans, Mr Lewis was in difficulty and seen to go under the water several times.

He said Mr Evans, who claimed to be a weak swimmer, made brief efforts to save his friend before getting out of the water and calling for help.

The pupils, who were all aged around 15, waded in fully clothed to try to help, as did two passers-by. They pulled Mr Lewis out and tried to revive him, as did paramedics, but he was declared dead at Prince Philip Hospital, Llanelli.

Trauma counselling

Mr Evans said the attempted rescue was "of the highest heroic standing".

Up to eleven of the pupils from Bryn Gwyn comprehensive needed trauma counselling after the incident, the inquest heard.

Mrs Mainwarring said tests showed Mr Lewis drowned.

He had taken cannabis at some point in the day, and when combined with alcohol, it would affect co-ordination, and lead to mental confusion and disorientation as well as heighten the effect of hypothermia, she said.

"I would like to commend the bravery and courage of all those who tried to save the deceased," she said.