A CORONER has called for water safety to be added to school curriculums to prevent future deaths after two children drowned on Bournemouth beach.

Senior coroner for Dorset, Rachael Griffin, issued a prevention for future deaths report at the inquest for Sunnah Khan, 12, and Joe Abbess, 17.

The pair died on Bournemouth beach last summer after a rip current pulled them out to sea, along with eight other people.

During the final inquest hearing on October 4, Ms Griffin said that Joe and Sunnah were fit and healthy people but became caught in a ‘flash rip current’.

She said that all six lifeguards present on the beach on May 31 were fully trained, but that identifying rip currents is ‘one of the hardest skills to learn.’

Investigation after the incident, found that the rip current most likely began at around 3.45pm, with Joe’s body being recovered at 4.18pm and Sunnah’s at 4.45pm.  

Joe’s friend that was in the water with him said that he was only stood at waist height when a large wave hit them.

Sunnah’s aunt also said that their group were enjoying the sea when a rip current pulled them out.

Ms Griffin said it was important to remember that Bournemouth beach is generally safe but ‘like every other body of water, there is an element of risk and unpredictability.’

Dr Simon Rothery Boxall, expert in physical oceanography, previously told the court that rip currents can form in any body of water and are faster than what an Olympic swimmer could fight against.

Ms Griffin said she encourages everyone to access water safety information, on the RNLI or HM Coastguard websites, before visiting a beach.

She ruled that Joe and Sunnah both died from an unexpected anomaly of nature and that their deaths were an accident.

Vannessa Abbess, Joe’s mother, said: "Joe was generous, loving, caring, hard-working and funny.

“We were privileged to have him in our lives for 17 years and we are all so sorry that he will never be able to fulfil his dreams and ambitions.”

Stephanie Williams, Sunnah’s mother, said: “She cared about so many people and would do anything for her family and friends.

“She was a force of nature, to know her was to be truly lucky. We have missed her and will continue to miss her for the rest of our lives.”

Graham Farrant, chief executive of BCP Council said: “This was a tragic accident that occurred at the heart of our resort and shocked so many people. My thoughts and those of everyone at BCP Council remain with the families of Sunnah and Joe.

“Keeping people as safe as possible when they are on our beaches is at the heart of the work we do across our seafront.

“We will continue to work with the RNLI and other expert partners, to reduce risk and promote safety in the water, while recognising the inherent and changing dangers of an unpredictable environment like the sea.”