Robinson, Ian

47y · Male·drowning

Ian Robinson, a 47-year-old experienced swimmer and teacher, died by drowning during a commercial whitewater rafting trip on the Tully River in Queensland. The raft capsized at Wet n Moisty rapids after contact with rocks, and Robinson became entrapped underwater between rocks. Despite rapid response by guides who located and extricated him within minutes and initiated CPR, he could not be resuscitated. The coroner found the guide was appropriately qualified, the raft and safety equipment adequate, and the rescue response exemplary. However, the coroner identified a systemic gap: RnR Adventures lacked formal documented risk assessments for specific rapids, relying instead on individual guide experience. The coroner recommended implementing structured risk management processes including hazard mapping, documented safe routing procedures, and competency assessments tailored to each rapid's specific hazards, particularly for high-risk rapids like Wet n Moisty where entrapment points exist and cover positions are limited.