Tributes paid to North Wales police officer who died in jet ski incident

The family and colleagues of an off-duty police officer who tragically died following an incident involving a jet-ski have paid tribute to him.

The alarm was raised shortly after 4.30pm on Saturday after Barry Davies fell from a jet-ski into the sea off the coast of Pwllheli.

Emergency services attended including the Coastguard and RNLI, and the 49-year-old who lived locally was pulled from the water.

Despite the best efforts of medical teams, the officer died at the scene.

His family have issued the following tribute: “As a family it is very difficult to put in to words what Barry meant to us all.  He was extremely popular and a true gentleman, remaining calm in all situations that life threw at him.

“He worked so hard to become a police officer, a job that he loved and was dedicated to.  He also took great pleasure in being an RNLI crewman and karate instructor.

“He lived his life to the full, spending precious and quality time with his partner and two daughters.

“He was a beloved son, loving partner, doting father, caring brother and a dear friend and colleague to all that were blessed to know him.

“As a family we would like to send our heartfelt thanks to all for their kind messages and support at our tragic loss.”

North Wales Police and the North Wales Police Federation have also paid tribute to the police officer, who was based at Porthmadog Police Station.

Chief Constable Carl Foulkes said: “As a force we are devastated at the loss of our colleague and our heartfelt sympathies go to his family, friends and colleagues at this extremely difficult time.

“Barry joined North Wales Police in 2013. He was a much respected police officer and I have no doubt that this tragic loss will be felt widely across the force by those who worked with Barry, those who knew him and became his friends.

“The North Wales Police family is doing everything we can to provide support and comfort to Barry’s loved ones and his colleagues at what is a very difficult time.

“Messages of condolences have been sent to us from police forces across the country and I would also like to thank everyone who has offered their support.”

Mark Jones, General Secretary of North Wales Police Federation said: “From speaking to colleagues over the last few days it is absolutely evident that Barry was a hugely respected colleague and friend. It is also clear that Barry was highly thought of by his local community.

“We have received numerous messages of condolence from police forces throughout the UK and this shows that Barry’s loss has been felt nationwide by the policing family.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies go out to Barry’s family. He will be sorely missed.”

An investigation is now underway to establish the cause of the incident.