A 17-year-old fell into Walsall’s canal basin, sparking calls for improved lighting and safety measures to prevent future accidents
He was on his way to grab an electric scooter from a seller he found on Facebook Marketplace. Following Google Maps, he tried to dodge a puddle and ended up in the canal. It was dark, and there were no lights or rails to guide him.
Ethan was lucky to grab onto a mooring ring nearby. He fell about six or seven feet into the water. He said, “The second my foot slipped, I knew I was going in.” His backpack weighed him down, and he had to let it go. Inside were his laptop and personal items, including his AirPods, which fell into the water.
People at a nearby café helped him out. They had towels ready because they knew this kind of thing happens. They mentioned he wasn’t the first that day. Although they offered to call an ambulance, Ethan felt okay and continued to get the scooter. But soon after, he felt unwell and went to A&E.
His mom met him there with dry clothes. After a check-up, the doctors gave him the all-clear. Now, Ethan is advocating for better lighting and railings around Gallery Square to prevent future falls.
In 2021, the Canal and River Trust put up a blue buoy in the basin to warn people about the deep water. This was after three people fell in one day. Ethan shared that the incident has made him anxious about leaving home. He used to walk along the canal to get to basketball practice, but now he feels uneasy.
He insists that the canal needs better lighting and railings. A spokesperson from the Canal and River Trust expressed regret over Ethan’s fall and emphasized their commitment to safety. They mentioned existing signage and the buoy but acknowledged that fencing off the area isn’t straightforward due to access needs for boaters.
Walsall Council, responsible for street lighting, hasn’t commented on the situation yet.
