(Image courtesy of Rubber Dragon on Flickr)
Holiday parks in the UK need to ensure swimming pool safety measures are properly implemented or the consequences for guests could be devastating.
That’s the message from us here at First4lawyers after a man in his twenties was paralysed after jumping into a shallow pool that should have had ‘no diving’ signs on show to prevent such a tragic accident taking place.
Daniel McCarrick was working at a Yorkshire holiday park in 2007 when the incident took place and has now received personal injury compensation of around £1million.
A spokesman for First4lawyers said: “Swimming pools can be dangerous places and there are clear health and safety guidelines in place to ensure hotel and holiday park owners do everything they can to protect their guests and staff.
““The Health and Safety Executive has a wealth of information on its website relating to health and safety for leisure activities incluidng swimming. We would urge any holiday park owners thoroughly researches all legislation and puts the necessary measures in place before letting members of the public enter any public poolwater.”
Talking about his accident and the impact it has had to himself and his family, McCarrick told BBC News: “I remember feeling really shocked when I felt my head hit the bottom of the pool because it was so unexpected.
“I remember floating to the surface, face down and I was shouting for my friends but I couldn't move or feel anything.
“One of my workmates dragged me out of the pool and I could hear everyone talking around me and calling for help. I was so frightened.
“When the doctors told me I would never walk again it was the hardest blow and I was devastated. I managed to tell my mum myself but the reality of it didn't sink in for a long time after that.”
He added: “The past five years have been so horrible and it's hard for me to come to terms with how much my life has changed.
"If I had seen any 'no diving' signs at Skipsea's swimming pool I would have definitely taken notice and obeyed them, it's just how I've been brought up.
“My family know that I've always been a sensible lad and I would never put myself at risk or do anything silly.
“It was only after the accident that I found out I'd dived into just one metre of water."
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