Mexborough & Swinton Times – Saturday 28 June 1941

Night Swimmers

Swinton Man Drowned

A verdict of ” Accidental Death” was recorded by the Sheffield District Coroner, Mr. J. Kenyon Parker, at an inquest at Rotherham, on Tuesday, on William Paskell (30), iron moulder, of 36, White Lee Road , Swinton, who was drowned while bathing in the canal at Swinton on Saturday.

James Paskell, miner, of 49, White Lee Road, gave evidence of identification. He said he last saw his brother at about 11 p.m. on Saturday, June 21st, at his mother’s house. They were both going to go bathing but witness’s mother persuaded witness not to go as she was a little nervous. William got his costume and went down to the canal. He was a powerful swimmer. In his opinion it was a pure accident.

Oden Myers (17), of 67, White Lee Road, Swinton, said on Saturday night he went to the canal to have a swim. While he was on the bank, Paskell and another man named Johnson came along and got ready to go into the water. They began to swim from the lock gates to an iron bridge, and witness decided to join them. When he (Myers) left after about ten minutes in the water he saw Paskell swimming under the iron bridge.

P.c. Robinson said in his opinion Paskell must have been seized with cramp.