In a tragic incident at Waterworld, a popular leisure attraction located in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, a four-year-old girl has lost her life following a distressing event at a swimming pool. The incident occurred around 16:20 BST on a typically busy Saturday afternoon, prompting a swift response from emergency services and local authorities.
Staffordshire Police were called to the scene after reports indicated that the girl was in a critical state. Upon arrival, local officers found that the staff at Waterworld had already begun administering first aid to the child in distress. Remarkably, both lifeguards and management teams at the facility were able to provide immediate CPR before paramedics took over. The young girl was quickly transported to a hospital; unfortunately, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, she was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival. Police confirmed that her next of kin were notified of the tragic news.
Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Maskew took charge of the investigation and stated that inquiries were underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. She urged the public to refrain from speculation during this delicate initial stage of the investigation, indicating that it remained crucial to gather all pertinent details thoroughly and accurately.
Waterworld released a statement via social media, addressing the heartbreaking incident that occurred in the Lagoon area of its Aqua Park. They expressed their profound sadness about the events that unfolded while assuring patrons and the community that staff members were working closely with police officials. The statement detailed that lifeguards and emergency response teams acted without hesitation to provide immediate care to the little girl, undertaking life-saving measures as soon as they were informed of the situation.
Furthermore, other guests at Waterworld were instructed to quietly evacuate the pool area while medical teams performed their duties. The management expressed their condolences, noting, “It is with great sadness that we learned of this little girl’s passing this evening,” emphasizing their thoughts being with the family during such an unimaginably difficult time.
In light of the tragedy, Waterworld announced it would close its doors to honor the memory of the young girl and support her grieving family. The closure extends into the following day, with assurances that all existing bookings would be automatically refunded. Guests are kindly requested to allow a window of up to five days for their refunds to process. During this period, Waterworld kindly asked for understanding and requested that the public refrain from contacting the site, as they focus on supporting their staff as well as cooperating with the ongoing police investigation.
Staffordshire’s local police and the West Midlands Ambulance Service are both involved in following up on the details leading to this incident, ensuring all aspects are reviewed diligently to prevent future occurrences. The wider community is left to grapple with the emotional fallout that follows such tragic events, especially involving a young child whose life was cut distressingly short. As this story continues to unfold, attention is drawn to the importance of safety in recreational settings, particularly where children are concerned.
As the situation develops, updates will likely be shared through various channels, including social media and local news outlets, as authorities work to address the community’s concerns and provide further insights into the incident.
