We are extremely sad to report the death of Gavin Townsend, a member of the GB Barefoot Waterski Squad.

Gavin died in the early hours on Monday 13 July 2026 after suffering a serious head injury while competing in the jump event at the British Barefoot Nationals, held at Cotswold Water Ski Club on Saturday 4 July.

Rod Beattie, Chair of British Water Ski & Wakeboard’s Barefoot Committee said:

“We are all devastated and send our deepest condolences to Gavin’s family and friends.

“We are grateful to those present who did everything they could to assist. Their actions were exemplary, as were those of the emergency services and air ambulance crew who were quick on the scene.

“We take some comfort from the fact that Gavin was an organ donor and, with his death, he has given the gift of life to four separate individuals.”

The Union Flag will fly at half-mast at the European Barefoot Waterski Championships in Chartres, France, later this week, where Gavin’s GB teammates will be among the athletes and officials taking part.

Gavin, who was 55 and originally from Australia, was an experienced barefoot waterskier.  At the 2025 IWWF World Masters Barefoot Championships, held in France last September, he won a gold medal in the jump event.

Our thoughts are with Gavin’s loved ones.

Gavin Townsend. Photo: Mark Thomas