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PHW · Other · 2026-01

Oxford Active Ltd fined £6,000 after a young child nearly drowned under a pool float

Egham, Surrey · Chichester Crown Court

What happened

A three-year-old child who could not swim became trapped face-down beneath a large float during a free-play swimming session with a group of young children. Staff found her unconscious and resuscitated her.

Injuries: non-fatal: child recovered, could have been fatal

The breach

Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

The sentence

  • Fine: £6,000
  • Costs: £12,000
HSE inspector

“Fortunately, the three-year-old child recovered well, but this incident could very easily have had a tragic outcome.”

What would have prevented it

Free-play swimming sessions with young non-swimmers need clear, staff-briefed supervision ratios and control measures, not just documentation that sits unused.

How PHW helps

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Source: HSE press release, Company fined after 3-year-old nearly drowned at children's holiday camp