St John delay not a factor in death, says coroner

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St John paramedics have been cleared of any fault relating to the drowning of a man in the Waikato River, a coroner's court has been told.

Ben Lucas, 20, of Tokoroa, drowned when he got into difficulty while swimming on February 21 this year.

St John Ambulance was criticised for a slow response time after paramedics in two ambulances were first directed by the Auckland communications centre to the wrong side of the river.

Chief coroner Neil MacLean said yesterday at the inquest into the drowning that the delay – of up to a minute – was not a factor in the death of Mr Lucas.

Paramedics were also delayed in reaching Mr Lucas when they were unable to unlock a council access gate to Spa Park.

Judge MacLean produced a single finding into three drownings in the river near the Spa Park hot pools during the 15-month period between last November and this April.

Irish tourist Eoin Doran, 21, drowned last November, and Whanganui student Bradley Martin, 17, in April this year. Both young men got into difficulties swimming in the river.

Judge MacLean said river flow was deceptive and resembled a lake at some sections.

Freedom of access to the Waikato was one of the attractions that lured people to the area, he said.

John Lucas, father of Ben, suggested the area near the hot pools be fenced off.

Jeff Martin, father of Bradley, said the coldness of the river water – estimated to be 10 degrees Celsius – should not be ignored as a factor.

Taupo District Council parks and reserves manager John Ridd said 30 warning signs would be installed near river accessways.

The council would hold water safety education programmes next summer.

- © Fairfax NZ News