The grieving mum of Kaimen Ward, the eight-year-old boy who tragically died after getting into difficulties in a Yorkshire swimming pool, has demanded answers from the leisure centre's management.
Caroline Ward, 41, said: 'What I want to know is: where the hell were the lifeguards? It is peak season at the swimming pool, so how did he go unsupervised?'
Kaimen was visiting Hambleton Leisure Centre in Northallerton, North Yorkshire with two friends and three adults on Wednesday afternoon. He reportedly got into difficulty near a waterfall in 25-metre fun pool.
Ms Ward, who is separated from Kaimen's father, said she had no idea her son had died until she arrived at the hospital, telling reporters: 'I knew when they took me into a room he was gone.'
She added: 'I want answers as to how this was allowed to happen. Why were there no lifeguards to save him? The police have told me it is under investigation. I want to prevent this happening to another child.'
Kaimen, who has a twin sister, Hope-Ella, had just celebrated his eighth birthday. His mother said his distraught twin could not understand what had happened: 'He had just turned eight last Wednesday. His sister doesn't know why he hasn't come home.'
She said Kaimen was the 'perfect son': 'He was a lovely little chap. He was so full of life.'
The council insisted lifeguards were present at the pool, and safety procedures were in place. Phillip Morton from Hambleton District Council said: 'In addition to having three lifeguards at the side of the pool there was an additional number of swimming instructors. We had more people than even best practice would suggest. The council is quite sombre today and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family.'
What do you think?
Do stories like this make you re-think pool trips with your family?
Do you allow your child to visit swimming pools with other adults but without you being present?
Read the comments and experiences of Parentdish parents on our breaking news yesterday.