Hero Joel speaks about the Haverfordwest paddleboarding tragedy

That’s how twenty-year-old local hero Joel Williams described why he did what he did when he jumped into the River Cleddau to drag out one of the paddleboarders who was part of the party that got in distress.

An inquest awaits a police investigation after four people lost their lives when a group of adventure seekers came across from south Wales on the morning of October 30 to take part in paddleboarding on the River Cleddau and got into trouble at Haverfordwest.

Joel was going for a haircut that day and never expected what he would see when he parked at County Hall and approached the bridge to get over the weir and into town.

Joel was given a special commendation by Haverfordwest Town Council at a ceremony last night, November 18, where the Western Telegraph got to have an exclusive sit-down with the local hero.

Joel said the only thing he was thinking about when he was about to jump in the water was how cold it would be.

“I parked at County Hall, got out the car, walked to the river and saw some of the paddleboarders floating down river, then I went across the bridge and saw two people in the weir struggling.

“I phoned the fire brigade and got a buoy to help one of the people in there that was still alive. I tried throwing it to him and that is when I saw the lady floating under the bridge.

“I followed her downstream till I got to just before the slipway. I dived in and pulled her onto the slipway and me and someone else administered CPR until the emergency services took over.”

Joel was commended by the Town Council along with members of the emergency services

Joel’s mum Natasha told the Western Telegraph her son was crazy doing what he did but that she was in awe of him, while his cousin Bethan described him as a regular guy who doesn’t seek attention.

Joel explained the only way he can really deal with what happened without it affecting him is to try move on in the most respectful way he can, which will include going to watch the boys at Neyland FC.

 “Dad came down with some clothes, we went home, I had a shower and just got on with my day.”