Heroic efforts couldn't save a 10-year-old boy from drowning in a central Reading river last year - but his death has triggered major efforts to save lives in waterways across the town, an inquest has head. 

Shadrack Appiah, 10, tragically died after being rushed to Royal Berkshire Hospital at 3.25pm on Monday, August 21 last year, shortly after crying out for help while swimming with friends in the River Kennet near Waterloo Meadows. 

During an inquest at Reading Coroner's Court today, coroner Hannah Godfrey ruled that Shadrack - who was unable to swim - died from drowning in an instance of 'misadventure'. 

The much-loved schoolboy drowned in water that was six-feet deep, just three metres from the river bank, after running ahead of a supervising adult, who arrived within minutes of the boy getting into trouble in the waterway. 

Shadrack's best friend and the unnamed boy's mother repeatedly dived into the water - described as 'freezing' and too dark to see underwater - in an effort to save the 10-year-old. 

The coroner said a 'hidden hazard' of unexpected deep water in the river, which may have appeared shallower due to a silt build-up, may have caused Shadrack to lose his footing, but how he came to be in trouble remained unclear. 

Ms Godfrey said that despite a lack of safety equipment at the riverbank, any equipment would have been unlikely to have aided efforts to rescue Shadrack, as he had quickly disappeared into the river after calling out for help. 

Coroner Ms Godfrey said she will not recommend a prevention of future deaths report - but she had 'concerns' about the lack of signage in the area when Shadrack entered the water, and she was 'sceptical' about warning signs added since his death. 

She said: "It's the nature of children to do unwise and unpredictable things.'

The inquest heard that the 10-year-old was unable to swim after 10 swimming lessons across his time in Year 5 at New Christ Primary School Church Primary School. 

His family was also shocked at the circumstances surrounding Shadrack's death, according to his grand-uncle Dr Stephen Appiah . 

"Shadrack would never go into a pool," Dr Appiah said.

"The family tried everything. It just scared him. It especially surprised the family that he died in water, the very thing he was so scared of."

Now Shadrack's death has prompted a major effort by dozens of organisations across Reading to come together to form a water safety partnership group for the town, which meets three times a year. 

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Signs have been put up around Waterloo Meadows showing deep-water in the area, and a sign at the entrance of the public grounds has been amended with a picture to indicate that swimming is prohibited. 

Ms Godfrey said: "The death of Shadrack appears to be the trigger for the start of the Reading River Safety Partnership. There is the potential to save lives not just in this specific area, but across the whole borough.

"Something good will come of this unspeakable loss suffered by the family."

Shadrack's grand-uncle said the family was 'inconsolable' at the loss of the smart and funny boy, who had been 'a small pillar in their house, taking so much weight and pressure from the family'. 

In a statement, a representative from New Christ Church Primary School said: "Shadrack was a much loved and valued member of our school family.

"We will always remember his beautiful smile which lit up the room and his warm and caring nature.

"Shadrack was a talented athlete, a great artist and a warm and caring friend. Shadrack will always be in our hearts as a special member of our school."