Lessons must be learned from the death of 11-year-old Kyra, Government says

The Government has acknowledged lessons must be learned from the tragic death of an 11-year-old girl at a Datchet water park – in the wake of her family calling for ‘decisive action’.

Croydon schoolgirl Kyra Hill died while attending a friend’s birthday party at Liquid Leisure on August 6, 2022.

An inquest into her death concluded last Tuesday, and the coroner ruled that she had been unlawfully killed after ‘gross breaches in health and safety.’

Kyra’s father then spoke outside the coroner’s court at Reading Town Hall, calling on the Government to take for ‘immediate, decisive action’ to overhaul safety regulations at water parks.

Leonard Hill said that Kyra died despite the fact that she was ‘a remarkably strong swimmer.’

This, in his mind, proves that such aqua parks are not safe.

“We can pour our hearts out about Kyra and all that we’ve lost, but that will not bring about desperately needed change to regulation to keep water parks safe,” he said.

“Kyra’s death is a devastating reminder that the current regime of safety measures is shamefully inadequate, leaving families who lose children to bear the brunt of terrible grief.

“Unknowingly, we allow out children to happily visit leisure parks that create the illusion that they are safe.”

Mr Hill explicitly referenced facts explored in the inquest; that lifeguards on duty were only trained for surface rescues and that CCTV had not been used effectively.

He said companies ‘must employ divers on-site, equipped and ready’ or staff trained to underwater rescue standards, with a minimum of two specially trained personnel present at all times.

Mr Hill added that CCTV operatives should be present to monitor the water and locate anyone in distress swiftly, ‘enabling rapid rescue before tragedy occurs.’

He described lifeguards as ‘ill-equipped and unprepared’ for the reality of a submerged person in distress.

“Had we or any family been aware of this grave limitation, we would have known to keep our children far away from such peril,” Mr Hill said.

“The devastating loss of Kyra should serve as a clear, urgent warning: this is a colossal, life-threatening problem that demands immediate action.”

He said it was ‘essential’ that stringent safety protocols be put in place, including risk assessments for missing persons in water and detailed rescue procedures.

Coroner Heidi Connor had indicated that these contributed to Kyra’s death.

“Kyra’s life was a shining example of resilience and strength,” Mr Hill said. “Her memory demands that we demand safer standards now.

“No parent should endure this pain, and no child’s life should be sacrificed so recklessly.

“We must act today, for Kyra and for every family that visits these leisure parks tomorrow. The time for words has passed. Now is the moment for action – urgent, bold, unwavering.

“The safety of our children, the trust of our families, and the future of our summer days depend on [it].

Responding this week, a government spokesperson said: “This is a devastating case and our thoughts are with Kyra’s family.

“In the UK, while there aren’t specific laws for aqua parks. Operators must adhere to general health and safety regulations under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

“It is important the lessons from the inquest are learned so this doesn’t happen again.”