Waterworld Slammed Over Safety After Girl, 4, Dies in Tragic Pool Incident
A full health and safety investigation is now underway after a four-year-old girl tragically died following an incident at Waterworld, amid claims the popular water park was “rammed” and severely understaffed with lifeguards.
The tragedy unfolded on Monday afternoon (4 August) in the Lagoon area of the Hanley-based aqua park. Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 4:20pm after reports that a young girl was found unconscious.
Lifeguards and staff initiated CPR, with paramedics from the West Midlands Ambulance Service taking over resuscitation efforts before transporting the girl to Royal Stoke University Hospital. Despite the best efforts of medical teams, she was sadly pronounced dead a short while later.
Customers Say Waterworld Was Overcrowded, Understaffed
Details
In the wake of the incident, devastated visitors and local residents have raised serious concerns about safety protocols at the attraction, accusing Waterworld of over-packing the venue and failing to deploy enough lifeguards.
One customer described the venue as “rammed”, adding:
“They are renowned for cramming in as many people as possible. It used to be a brilliant venue, but it’s got run down over the years. The lifeguards do a great job, but there simply aren’t enough of them, especially in peak times like school holidays.”
Another resident said:
“That poor girl went for a day of fun during the holidays, and now she’s gone. It’s every parent’s worst nightmare.”
Heather Neville, a mother of two, who arrived at Waterworld the following day only to find it closed, said:
“It’s just dreadful. I don’t know if I can bring myself to bring the boys back when it reopens. It’s just awful what’s happened.”
Official Statements
Stoke-on-Trent City Council confirmed their environmental health team is working alongside police and Waterworld management to conduct a full investigation.
Lord Mayor Steve Watkins issued a heartfelt statement:
“We were all devastated to hear of the death of a four-year-old girl at Waterworld. This is a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with her family and loved ones.”
A spokesperson for Waterworld said the venue will remain closed “out of respect for the family” and added:
“Waterworld is in shock and is working closely with the authorities at this sad time.”
Past Incidents at Waterworld
This is not the first time Waterworld has faced scrutiny over safety standards. In 2022, over a hundred swimmers were evacuated after experiencing sickness and eye irritation.
In 2021, a drowning boy was heroically rescued by lifeguards in an incident that narrowly avoided another tragedy.
Witness Appeal & Investigation
The council and police are appealing for any witnesses or individuals with information regarding the circumstances of the incident to come forward.
West Midlands Ambulance Service Statement:
“Despite the best efforts of staff, bystanders, and medical professionals, nothing could be done to save the little girl. Our thoughts are with the family and friends at this truly awful time.”
