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Wednesday, 15 October, 2003, 15:43 GMT 16:43 UK

Lifeguard fined over drowning

Herringthorpe Leisure Pool A leisure pool lifeguard has been fined over the death of an eight-year-old boy.

Jonathan Enderby, 22, admitted breaching health and safety regulations at Herringthorpe Leisure Centre where Jason Bibby drowned in March 2001.

Non-swimmer Jason died after diving into the deep end of the pool.

Enderby was fined £500 at Rotherham magistrates' court while his employer, Rotherham Council, was fined £5,000 with more than £6,000 costs.

The case was brought by the Health and Safety Executive.

Despite the fines, Deputy District Judge Carl Teper said it was clear neither party could be held responsible for Jason's death.

Black spots

But he added that the tragedy highlighted deficiencies in the design of the pool and the number of lifeguards on duty.

Jason's parents were too distressed to attend the hearing but are now considering civil action.

In February this year, coroner Stanley Hooper criticised the conditions and design of the swimming pool which had led to visibility black spots.

But he also concluded they did not ultimately contribute to the drowning and recorded a verdict of accidental death

Since Jason's death, £130,000 has been spent by the council on improving the pool design and employing more lifeguards.



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Related to this story:
Pool boy's death was an accident (13 Feb 03  |  England )

RELATED INTERNET LINKS:
Rotherham Council
Health & Safety Executive
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