Bognor Regis woman, 22, died after tragic seaside accident
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Walton Avenue resident Bethany Skinner, who worked at Butlin's holiday resort, died at St Richard's Hospital on February 26, 2019, two days after being pulled from the water by Bognor pier.
An inquest at Crawley Coroner's Court on Thursday (February 4) heard that Beth and her boyfriend, Philip Errikson, had both been drinking and had an argument before tragedy struck.
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Hide AdBeth went and stood in the sea up to her ankles while Philip was about ten paces behind her, the inquest heard.
Beth, who was said to be fearful of water and could not swim, got 'dragged into the sea'. It was a windy day, with high water levels and the waves on the beach were described as 'forceful'.
Philip went in the sea to try and save Beth but the waves were 'too strong', the inquest heard.
He went to find help but it was 'at least 25 minutes' before Beth was pulled from the sea and able to get medical attention.
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Hide AdBy this time, Beth had stopped breathing and her temperature was 27 degrees Celsius, the inquest heard.
Despite the best efforts of staff on the Intensive Treatment Unit (ITU) at St Richard's Hospital, Beth's condition deteriorated and she sadly died.
Alicia Keen, assistant coroner for West Sussex, ruled Beth's death as an accident.
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