Seven arrested over child’s drowning in swimming pool in Nugegoda

Colombo, Oct. 10 (Daily Mirror) - Mirihana Police have arrested seven individuals, including the assistant principal of the International school, in connection with the tragic death of a five-year-old child who drowned in a swimming pool at a hotel in the Nugegoda area.

The incident occurred on the morning of October 8 at Sanhinda Leisure Centre on Stanley Mawatha, Mirihana. A group of preschool children of the Keble College International School had been participating in swimming activities under the supervision of teachers and a coach when the child drowned.

Investigations have revealed that the child was pronounced dead upon admission to the Colombo South Teaching Hospital. 

Following the inquiry, Mirihana Police arrested seven individuals — the assistant principal, the sports coordination officer, two teachers responsible for the children, a preschool employee, and two swimming instructors — over their alleged negligence leading to the incident.

Investigations revealed that around 30 students from the same school had been at the pool for swimming training at the time of the incident, under the supervision of several teachers. Some parents were also present.

It was reported that the student drowned while other students were engaged in training under the guidance of the coaches.

The victim, the youngest in a family of three, had two elder sisters who were also reportedly present at the pool during the incident.

At the autopsy, the student’s father alleged that the school and swimming authorities should take full responsibility for his son’s death. The father alleged that his son had been sent to the deep pool instead of the shallow pool, despite having no prior swimming experience.

It was claimed that the coach was not present when the child drowned, having gone to train senior students for about five minutes. The child was reportedly first spotted floating in the water by workers repairing the roof.

They shouted for help upon seeing the child, but no one responded immediately. The victim’s elder sister, who was on the other side of the pool reportedly swam across and pulled her brother out.

The child, who was unconscious and had swallowed water, was rushed to hospital, but was pronounced dead on arrival.

The father further alleged that only one coach had been assigned for the session that day, whereas two coaches were usually on duty — and that the coach present was not the regular instructor.