An inquest has concluded that the death of 13-year-old Edie Smart, who was swept out to sea at Whitley Bay in July last year, could have been prevented if adequate warning signs had been in place. Senior coroner for Newcastle and North Tyneside, Georgina Nolan, recorded a verdict of accidental death but issued critical findings regarding emergency response and local authority safety measures.
Circumstances of the Tragedy
Edie Smart, described by her mother Louise as a deeply loved girl whose absence left her family's hearts empty, was with a friend on eroded steps south of Whitley Bay beach on July 24. Rough waves and high tide created an extremely challenging environment. She was swept off the steps and into the sea, with conditions likened to a washing machine effect that hampered rescue efforts.
A passer-by called 999, but it took over 20 minutes for Edie to be rescued. Two lifeguards from the nearby beach swam out and pulled her to a lifeboat, where CPR was administered. Despite the efforts of multiple agencies, including HM Coastguard, RNLI, and the Great North Air Ambulance, Edie died four days later.
Coroner's Findings
Coroner Nolan stated that calling an ambulance sooner would not have changed the outcome, as the crew arrived simultaneously with Edie's rescue. However, she found that if lifeguards Joseph Walker-Hardwick and Nathan Ramsey had been contacted earlier, they might have saved Edie before she lost consciousness and went into cardiac arrest.
The coroner emphasized that there was insufficient signage to deter the public from the dangerous location. Edie had no intention of entering the water and was washed in from a spot where she should not have been. Her family stated she would not have been there if warning signs were present, a claim the coroner accepted. She noted that the risk posed by the sea at the disused steps had not been adequately considered.
Emergency Response Concerns
The inquest heard that RNLI lifeguards are not a declared asset for HM Coastguard, but can be called upon. In Edie's case, the coroner found that the lifeguards should have been summoned sooner. HM Coastguard divisional commander James Instance confirmed that since the incident, the organization has reiterated available resources to coastguard teams.
A formal Prevention of Future Deaths notice was issued to the North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) regarding the first ambulance crew's lack of training in using an I-Gel airway device. NEAS has 56 days to respond. Director of quality and safety Julia Young expressed condolences and pledged a detailed response.
Council and Coastguard Responses
North Tyneside Council officials expressed deep sorrow and confirmed that the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents will review safety measures. A Maritime and Coastguard Agency spokesperson said they will carefully consider the coroner's comments.
Edie's father, Paul, read a moving statement thanking those who tried to save his daughter, saying the family will cherish the memory of Edie and the joy she brought.
