Waterworld, which is in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, says it “is in shock” following the tragedy, which saw a four-year-old girl found unconscious on Monday afternoon
The UK’s biggest indoor water park has expressed its “shock” and “sadness” after a little girl died following an incident yesterday.
Despite the best efforts of staff and paramedics at the poolside at Waterworld in Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, the four-year-old girl was declared dead in hospital. She had been found unconscious at the attraction following the incident, the circumstances of which are now being investigated.
Staffordshire Police are making enquiries and supporting the girl’s family. Waterworld, which attracts around 400,000 visitors each year and has three pools and 20 slides, is working with the force.
A Waterworld spokesperson said yesterday: “It is with great sadness that we learned of this young girl’s passing later this evening. All our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during these extremely difficult times.”
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The youngster was found in a critical condition at around 4.15pm on Monday. Staff at the poolside in the Lagoon area of the aqua park rushed to help her but she later died in hospital.
Waterworld has decided to close today out of respect for the family, who have not yet been identified publicly. The spokesperson for the acqua park said in full: “Waterworld is deeply saddened to confirm that a fatal incident occurred at 4:15pm on Monday, August 4th, in the Lagoon area of the Aqua Park.
“A girl of four years old was found unconscious and treated on poolside by our lifeguard & management teams on site. They immediately provided CPR and called the emergency services, who arrived around 4:20pm.
“All other visitors were asked to quietly leave the pool out of respect for the rescue operation underway, and we would like to thank them for their support and collaboration.
“It is with great sadness that we learned of this young girl’s passing later this evening. All our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during these extremely difficult times.
“The authorities were immediately alerted and Waterworld is working closely and openly with them to precisely understand the circumstances of this tragic accident.
“Waterworld is in shock and has decided to remain closed tomorrow out of respect for the young girl’s family. If you have an online booking for tomorrow we will be refunding your tickets automatically tomorrow morning, you do not need to contact us in that regard.
“This can take up to five days to reach your account – we would appreciate it if you could refrain from contacting us during that time, as we focus on supporting our team members and the investigation into today’s incident.”
In a statement issued via police a Waterworld spokesperson added: “It is with great sadness that we learned of this little girl’s passing this evening.
“All our thoughts are with her family and loved ones during these extremely difficult times. Waterworld is in shock and has decided to remain closed tomorrow out of respect for the family. Waterworld is working closely with the authorities at this sad time.”
Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has knowledge of it is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident number 460 of August 4.
Staffordshire Police said the girl’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers. Detective Chief Inspector Lucy Maskew said: “Our thoughts are with the family at this terribly sad time. We are now making enquiries and looking to establish the circumstances of the incident.
“We would ask that members of the public avoid speculating in these early stages of the investigation and allow the family to grieve.”