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Last Updated: Friday, 25 May 2007, 19:05 GMT 20:05 UK
Death pool supervision criticised
Adrian Miles
Adrian Miles was left paralysed after a rugby tackle
A swimming pool where a rugby player drowned was not being supervised properly by lifeguards and managers, an inquest jury has ruled.

Adrian Miles, 48, was using the pool to recover from a spinal injury he had suffered after a tackle at a charity match 15 months before his death.

He was found at the bottom of the University of Wolverhampton's Walsall campus pool on 27 July last year.

The inquest jury recorded a narrative verdict on Friday.

They said the lifeguards had not been supervising the pool properly and their managers had not communicated clear safety instructions.

'Not paying attention'

Mr Miles' wife, Ann, is now planning legal action against the university.

She said: "Adrian was a remarkable man and a wonderful husband, father and friend.

"Nothing can ever bring him back. We, as a family, are pleased that these findings have been made if only so that a tragedy of this nature can never happen again."

The inquest heard the spinal injury Mr Miles suffered while playing for Walsall Rugby Club had caused him to be paralysed from the neck down.

He had astounded doctors with the extent of his recovery after being told by some medical staff he would always be confined to a wheelchair.

The five day hearing was told Mr Miles started swimming to build up his strength and used a snorkel to help him in the water.

Other swimmers said the lifeguards did not appear to be paying attention.

One had his back to the water and was talking to a woman.

The University of Wolverhampton and the lifeguards on duty have expressed their sympathies to Mr Miles' family.

Adrian Miles had been paralysed after a rugby accident

Inquest into player's pool death
21 May 07 |  West Midlands
Inquiry into swimmer's pool death
05 Sep 06 |  West Midlands

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