Coroner gives findings on drownings

A coroner investigating three drowning deaths in SA is not prepared to recommend swimming ban laws.

A local council should decide whether two South Australian beaches should be closed, says a coroner who investigated three drownings in the area.

Deputy Coroner Anthony Schapel said he had considered, then rejected, whether to recommend closing beaches west of The Bluff at Encounter Bay, or introducing swimming ban laws at Petrel Cove and Depledge beaches.

"This is clearly a matter that the Council has to consider and decide for itself," he said on Thursday in his findings into the inquests of three men who drowned off the Fleurieu Peninsula in the past three years.

He found that David Russell Gadd, 28, Kamran Bimal Gujari, 19, and Nasir Ali Anwari, 18, died after being caught in rips.

Mr Gadd drowned in February 2012 at Depledge Beach, while Mr Gujari and Mr Anwari drowned at the nearby Petrel Cove beach in April 2014 and December 2014 respectively.

Mr Schapel has already recommended that Victor Harbor Council immediately install signs at both beaches, saying drownings have occurred there as a result of dangerous rips.

The signs also should state in "strong terms" that swimming is not advised.

"..the wording accompanying the signage should be in languages that reflect the demographics of immigration and overseas student population in South Australia," he said.

Mr Schapel said it was difficult for the court to determine whether closing the beaches or banning swimming "might amount to something of an over-correction".

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Coroner gives findings on drownings

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