Alex Crook

I am John Stanley POLLARD, Assistant Coroner for the Coroner area of Manchester West.

On 10 September 2024 I commenced an Investigation into the death of Alex Edward CROOK aged 15.  The Investigation concluded at the end of the Inquest on 29 January 2025.  The conclusion of the Inquest was:  Accident due to drowning.

On the 07 September 2024 Alex Edward Crook went to “Scotsmans Flash” with his friends.  They were playing in the edge of the lake when he went out of his depth and drowned.  He was taken to Royal Albert Edward Infirmary, Wigan where he was finally pronounced dead.

During the course of the Investigation my inquiries revealed matters giving rise to concern. In my opinion there is a risk that future deaths could occur unless action is taken.  In the circumstances it is my statutory duty to report to you. The MATTERS OF CONCERN are as follows: (brief summary of matters of concern) [1]       He did not have statutory swimming lessons at key stage 1 or 2 and I am informed that three schools in Wigan area still in breach of statutory duty to deliver such lessons. [2]       I am informed that signs have been erected as recently as 29 January 2025 at Scotsmans Flash yet these do not contain the words “no unauthorised swimming”.  It was agreed in evidence that if such signs were erected expeditiously close to the obvious entry points to the water, it might deter such use. [3]       It was established in evidence that throw lines are the most effective life-saving equipment.  It was noted that the proposal is to locate these away from obvious entry points.  This would seem to be likely to make them less effective than if they were sited at the more obvious entry points.  The need for such equipment, as with the signage, is urgent.

In my opinion action should be taken to prevent future deaths and I believe you (and/or your organisation) have the power to take such action.