A 12-year-old boy who could not swim was permitted to take part in a river boarding activity in which he drowned, a fatal accident inquiry (FAI) has been told. Kayden Walker died after getting into difficulties on the River Tay near Stanley, Perth and Kinross, on 28 July 2019.
The inquiry at Falkirk Sheriff Court heard from Angela Molloy, a former project manager for the Church House Community Group, which organised the trip. She stated that organisers deemed Kayden “comfortable in the water” despite his inability to swim, and allowed him to join the activity run by Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd.
Mrs Molloy told the court: “You didn't have to be able to swim to do the activity.” She added that Church House still permits non-swimmers on water sports events if the provider considers it appropriate. The group had used Outdoor Pursuits Scotland for several years and relied on its staff for safety.
Kayden became separated from his board and was trapped on the upstream side of a weir. He was taken to hospital but died the next day. In 2024, Outdoor Pursuits Scotland Ltd admitted a health and safety breach and was fined £10,000.
The FAI is also investigating the death of Ruaridh Stevenson, 39, who drowned while trying to help a client in Dollar Glen, Clackmannanshire, in April 2024. The inquiry is expected to hear further evidence over at least 10 days.
