Adam Miles

Dear Sirs Re: Adam Ben Miles (deceased) Thank you for your letter dated 5 April 2016 and the enclosed Regulation 28 Report to Prevent Future Deaths ("the Report") concerning the inquest into the death of Mr Adam Ben Miles which was addressed to: Hilton Sheffield ("the Hotel"); and British Waterways , Canal & River Trust. have read your report with care and in particular the concerns you have raised as a result of your investigation into Mr Miles's death: have also discussed this report with our Safety and Security team. have detailed below; the measures which the Hotel currently has in place and also further measures that the Hotel is in the process of implementing: There is no designated smoking area on the canal side of the Hotel. The designated smoking area is at the front of the Hotel. Signage is present on the doors leading out from the Victoria Quays Bar to read: EMERGENCY EXIT ONLY _ Please make use of the smoking area at the front of the Hotel. The sign will seek to remind and reinforce to guests and other users that this area is a non-smoking area and that the Hotel's designated smoking area remains at the front of the Hotel; The Hotel has arranged for signage to be placed at the canal side exits highlighting the risk of deep water nearby; The area is well Iit and a new CCTV unit on the canal side is to be installed in due course; The LivingWell side entrancelexit is locked after 10.OOpm but continues to be in use for gym access and as a designated fire escape route 24 hours a The Hotel does not promote this as a general exit Or as access to the canal side by way of signage; The hotel team undertakes regular emergency preparedness training HILTON SHEFFIELD Victoria Quzys Furnival Road Sheffield 547YA United Kingdom hiltoncom Hitton Woridwide Limited currently trading as Hiiton Sheffield Registered Office: 4 Cadogan Square Cadogan Street Giasgow G27PH Scotland Incoiporated in Scollanid with Registration No. SC022163 VAT No.917 8760 84 Eua: ThDE IAS day: any

Hilton SHEFFIELD As the Assistant Coroner will be aware, the canal towpath is a public right of way with a variety of businesses located in the area as well as the Hotel. The Hotel is a responsible operator and we are not aware Of previous incidents or near misses similar to this tragic case_ do hope that this response provides you with the assurance that action has already been taken to address your concerns_ Should you wish for any clarification concerning the Hotel's actions, please do not hesitate to contact me at the above address

Dear Mr Urpeth Re: Adam Ben Miles_(deceased) Thank you for your letter and report of the 5m April 2016 regarding the inquest into the death of Mr Adam Ben Miles_ On behalf of the Canal & River Trust ('the Trust' ) would Iike to offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr Miles_ understand that in your report; under paragraph 7 , schedule 5 of the Coroners & Justice Act 2009 and Regulations 28 & 29 of the Coroners (Investigations) Regulations 2103 addressed to Canal & River Trust, Station House_ Milton Keynes, you have specifically asked for a review of the following matters of concern: That smokers were allowed to smoke outside the hotel near the canal; There wasn't any rails or other effective barriers to segregate drinkers from danger of the canal; That the canal didn't have any means of escape for anyone who fell in_ On the 3rd May 2016 one of the Trust's safety advisors visited Victoria Quays and it's immediate surroundings_ Together, he and have reviewed the matters of concern outlined above and conducted a risk assessment During the risk assessment we applied the Trust's guidance on the appropriateness of segregation of the public from the canal basin, rescue equipment (such as a life rings and escape ladders) , and the ability of a person to 'self-rescue' We came to the following conclusions: Canal & River Trust First Floor North Station House 500 Elder Gate Milton Keynes MK9 1BB www canalrivertrust org uk Patron: H.RH. The Prince of Wales. Canal & River Trust, charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales with company number 7807276 and registered charity number 1146792 , registered office address First Floor North, Station House, 500 Elder Gate, Milton Keynes MK9 1BB the

The proximity of smokers and drinkers from the hotel to the canal: believe that moving the smoking area the rear of the hotel to the front will significantly reduce the risk of hotel customers unintentionally in close proximity of the canal, Effectiveness of barriers. The level of segregation at Victoria Quays necessarily varies because this is dependant on the activity in the different sections of the canal basin and the land immediately adjacent to the canal: We have reviewed this situation and believe it is appropriate for the intended use of the basin and its surroundings; which remains much an operational waterway _ The chains and barriers have difference purposes: the chains are for demarcation only (and primarily for vehicles at that) , and they are not intended to exclude people from accessing the waterway because e.g. boaters are allowed to moor in this area; the barriers are intended to exclude people from the edge of the waterway and appear to do so adequately. We also believe lighting in the canal basin is sufficient and we note it is augmented by the lighting on adjacent land. Means of escape for anyone who fell in. At the time of the incident; there were (and still are) two escape ladders provided in the basin, leading from the water: The ladders were positioned so that will not be obstructed by the boats mooring in the basin. Importantly , the 'freeboard' edges of the basin are also maintained at a height of approximately 40Omm from the level of the water itself to allow 'self-rescue' in circumstances where a person who falls into the water is capable of staying afloat Life rings are also located at intervals around the basin for persons who need assistance to float, in accordance with national guidance_ However; we have reviewed the number and positioning of the existing life rings and propose to place two additional life rings on the side of the basin closest to the hotel, purely as an additional precautionary measure_ We have reviewed the safety signage and whilst we believe it was adequate according to our usual standards and national guidance we propose placing additional "Danger deep water" signs at locations around the basin because; unlike the canal, which is typically 4-5 feet deep at the edge; the basin is some 10 to 12 feet deep: Overall we believe these additional measures will further reduce the risk of further tragedies. We will continue to review our risk assessments and national guidance which should identify if further measures are required, in which case appropriate action will be taken_ If you require any further information please contact me_ We from being very they