A coroner has concluded that 11-year-old Kyra Hill, a schoolgirl from Croydon, was unlawfully killed after drowning during a birthday party at Liquid Leisure water park near Windsor in August 2022.
The inquest, held at Berkshire Coroner’s Court, heard harrowing evidence of multiple gross health and safety breaches, including lack of visibility in deep water, inadequate supervision, and a delayed emergency response. The tragedy has sparked renewed calls for tighter regulations at water parks across the UK.
‘Falsely Reassuring’ Safety Measures
Senior Coroner Heidi Connor found that the water park failed to implement an effective emergency plan, perform a risk assessment, or inform parents of the lake’s 15ft depth. Signage at the site only warned of shallow water, which the coroner described as “falsely reassuring.”
Kyra, described by her family as a strong and capable swimmer, was not found for over an hour after being reported missing. A diver eventually located her body in water with zero visibility, according to testimony.
Father’s Heartbreaking Statement
Speaking outside the coroner’s court, Kyra’s father, Leonard Hill, fought back tears as he paid tribute to his daughter:
“Our beloved Kyra was a remarkably strong and exceptional swimmer, a true champion in the water. Yet, despite her strength, her life was tragically cut short.”
Mr Hill has pledged to campaign for improved safety protocols in similar leisure facilities.
Series of Failures
The inquest revealed a shocking sequence of failures:
- No immediate search plan was enacted when Kyra was reported missing.
- Emergency services were not called for 37 minutes.
- A lifeguard, only 17 years old, attempted a rescue but said water visibility was “terrible.”
- Requests from concerned adults to halt the music and make a missing child announcement were ignored.
- Life jackets were not mandated except for very young children or non-swimmers.
The coroner said these failures likely contributed significantly to Kyra’s death.
Legal and Regulatory Response
The owner of Liquid Leisure was fined £80,000 in June 2024. The future of the park remains uncertain.
Kyra’s death has reignited debates around leisure safety regulations. Campaigners, including her father, are now calling for:
- Mandatory life jackets for all children at open water parks.
- Clear signage indicating water depth.
- Proper staff training, including for teenage lifeguards.
- Prompt and structured emergency response protocols.
Remembering Kyra Hill
Kyra’s family described her as a “beacon of light” — brave, kind, and wise beyond her years. Her loss has devastated not only her family but the wider Croydon community.
Coroner Connor concluded the hearing with a personal note:
“Members of the family, at no point have I forgotten that this was about your 11-year-old, Kyra. I am so very sorry that you are here today. I offer all of you my heartfelt condolences.”
