I watched my little girl take last breaths in pool of bubbles as she drowned at water park party… lifeguard didn't help
Kyra Hill, 11, died at a birthday party after drowning in a designated swimming area at Liquid Leisure in Windsor.
7
7
An inquest previously heard how the water Kyra drowned in was marked as "shallow."
Her heartbroken parents have now spoken out about the horror of watching their daughter take her last breaths.
Appearing on Good Morning Britain, Kyra's father, Leonard, spoke about watching on in horror as his daughter sunk below the murky water three times while a lifeguard watched on and did nothing.
He described seeing CCTV footage showing the 17-year-old life guard fail to act while standing in the exact spot his daughter drowned.
Kyra vanished in August 2022 while attending the leisure centre with her family.
Authorities were called but the youth was tragically found over an hour later.
She had drowned in a body of water 2.68 meters deep despite a 17-year-old lifeguard managing to reach the exact point where she disappeared under the water.
An inquest into Kyra's death heard that the lifeguard was unable to rescue her as the staff at Liquid Leisure were only qualified to perform " surface-water rescues."
Kyra's parents are now battling for tighter safety measures to be implemented at leisure centres in the hopes of preventing another tragedy.
They say that the lifeguard should have been able to rescue their daughter from drowning and are calling for better training to be provided.
Man, 24, dies after falling into paddling pool in back garden and drowning in 'freak accident'
Kyra's dad described CCTV footage showing the lifeguard standing in a "pool of bubbles" at Kyra's "pinpoint location" as his daughter took her last breath.
He told how he felt the lifeguard was "never going to dive under" to save his daughter.
Leonard added that the lifeguard had "not been trained, she was only trained in surface rescue" saying that the teen lifeguard was "not equipped with the right tools."
Kyra's grief stricken family are pushing for safety regulations to be improved around water parks, asking for CCTV to be manned at all times.
7
7
7
The couple pointed out that no emergency plan or protocol was in place at the leisure centre.
Kyra's mother, Heather, said that despite CCTV footage capturing her daughters death no staff were trained or briefed on how to respond in an emergency situation.
CCTV footage at the pool was not being monitored she said, adding that it took more than an hour for the footage to be checked after emergency services arrived.
Shortly after the CCTV was seen, a diver managed to locate Kyra and pull her body from the water.
Kyra's tragic death was previously ruled as unlawful at an inquest.
At the time the coroner commented on poor signage describing deep water as "shallow."
The coroner, Heidi Connor, went on to describe the sings as "falsely reassuring."
Ms Connor also commented on children being permitted to swim without buoyancy aids and parents not being advised to attend with a ratio of one adult per four children.
Rachel Marcus, representing Kyra's devastated family, asked the coroner to consider a charge of gross negligence manslaughter by Liquid Leisure owner Stuart Marston.
She also called for an additional charge of corporate manslaughter.
The inquest found breaches included the lack of an emergency plan or a risk assessment.
The park's owner was fined £80,000 in June 2024.
7
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
BBC News
8 minutes ago
- BBC News
Body found in Richmond river search for 12-year-old boy
A body has been found by police searching a North Yorkshire river for a missing 12-year-old were called just after 17:00 BST on Saturday after the boy was seen going into the River Swale in Yorkshire Police carried out extensive searches along with fire and rescue officers and specialist search teams, but said the body of a child was recovered at 22:45 BST. The child is yet to be formally identified but family have been informed and are receiving support from specially trained officers, police said. Emergency services currently remain at the said the death is not being treated as suspicious. Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
The Sun
8 minutes ago
- The Sun
Our proud city's oasis has turned into dangerous crime den overrun by zombie druggies and thugs who rob pensioners
A DRUG user lies slumped on a bench while hooded youths stare menacingly at passers-by and a masked teenager on a bike circles with suspicious intent. Welcome to what locals have dubbed 'Crackadilly Gardens' - once a calm haven adorned with cherry trees and colourful flower beds in the heart of Manchester. 20 20 20 20 20 But over time various redesigns of Piccadilly Gardens meant much of the green space was replaced with concrete, and it now doubles as bus and tram interchange. At one point the area became such an eyesore that one of its architectural features became known as Manchester's ' Berlin Wall '. And it's since become overrun by beggars, drug dealers and ' zombie ' addicts. Frequent violence, robberies and anti-social behaviour have also blighted the area and turned it into a crime hot-spot. Residents say it's now an 'intimidating' and 'unpleasant' place to be in the day, and a 'dangerous' no-go zone at night. Various schemes have failed to clean up Piccadilly Gardens, and its image problem is an embarrassment for town hall chiefs keen to promote the northern city as a great place to live, work and visit. In response, police have carried out regular patrols and launched frequent crackdowns. On the day The Sun visited groups of officers swooped and detained three men outside a nearby supermarket. One was arrested and handcuffed and taken away in a police vehicle. Another man became angry and started shouting while the third, who'd lost a shoe, cried out in pain and struggled to walk. They left the area, only for one of them to return a short time later when police had gone. He staggered around, seemingly under the influence of drink, drugs or both, before sitting down on the pavement and swearing at passers-by, including children. In a separate incident, which involved armed police, a 31-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of burglary. Despite the increased police presence and a zero-tolerance approach from officers, locals say the area still feels unsafe. Eunice Manu, 40, who works nearby for a women's charity, admits Piccadilly Gardens can be a 'scary' place. "I'm always very careful when I'm walking along because there's always stuff going on,' she said. It's not a very friendly place and although they've tried to improve things, it doesn't feel safe because of what's going on – it's really scary Eunice Manu 'I watch all the time to see what's going on around me. 'It's not a very friendly place and although they've tried to improve things, it doesn't feel safe because of what's going on – it's really scary. 'You just don't know what to expect when you get here. There's always trouble and a lot of police about.' She added that the area's reputation is so bad even her children regularly warn her to 'be careful' when travelling to and from work. 'It's a s***-hole' 20 20 20 David Penk, 76, said: 'I'm old enough to remember how Piccadilly Gardens used to be - lovely and quiet and a nice place to sit, but now it's a s***-hole.' 'There's drugs all around the place and fights all the time. 'It's just an unpleasant place to be and I try to avoid the whole area if I can - after midday it gets a bit 'iffy'." Nick, 74, who only wanted to give his first name, said his brother had visited the city centre with him and was 'shocked' by what he saw. 'We came in one night to watch a gig and my brother was a bit taken aback,' he said. 'It was a bit of a shock for him to see all these drugged-up people hanging around. 'I live here so I'm used to it, but he lives in East Anglia so doesn't often encounter such scenes.' He added: 'Piccadilly Gardens used to be a nice place in the 70s, with flower beds and that sort of thing, but it's just been ruined over the years.' Melis Ichan, 28, a Turkish student in London who regularly visits friends in Manchester, said she's noticed the area's 'drug issues' and the 'intimidating' atmosphere. 'It can feel a little threatening and uncomfortable, especially if you're a woman on your own," she admitted. 'I think the main issue is masked teenagers on bikes looking to steal phones and other things. So I'm always very careful with my belongings.' She added that she 'loves' Manchester and hoped to live and work there, rather than London. 'Den of inequity' 20 20 20 20 Homeless pals Dave, 52, and Carl, 54, described Piccadilly Gardens as a 'den of inequity'. Dave said: 'You can get anything you want there: crack, smack (heroin), spice, weed, everything. 'That's why there's a lot of trouble and stabbings – arguments over drugs.' Carl added: 'I've been robbed twice there. That's why we both stay away – it's just not safe. 'If anything it's got worse and the police don't want to interfere too much because they're worried it will cause more trouble. 'It was bad when all the Oasis fans came to Manchester to watch them perform. 'They were coming to Piccadilly Gardens and putting their bags down and getting them robbed. 'A lot of them didn't even realise what was going until it was too late.' Violent crime 20 20 Recent serious incidents include a 23-year-old man who was stabbed last month during an alleged fight, with a 19-year-old later charged. Also last month, two men - one in his 20s and another in his 30s - were victims of a double stabbing. An air ambulance had to land in Piccadilly Gardens in May when another stabbing victim, 31, was rushed to hospital. And a man died in December after he was found collapsed in a doorway two days before Christmas. Simon Quest, 37, was jailed for four years and six months in December for stealing a mobile phone after cycling up behind his behind his victim in Piccadilly Gardens and throwing coffee over him. Police said the 'deplorable' attack, in June 2024, resulted in the man falling to the ground 'completely disorientated and unable to defend himself'. In another robbery in January last year, a 76-year-old was assaulted and robbed of a quantity of cash after he came to the city centre to withdraw his pension and disability benefits. Class A crackdown 20 20 In November 2023, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) supported by specialist police from the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit, launched a major operation in Piccadilly Gardens targeting class A drug dealing. Drugs were supplied to customers using various means: through flare messages, teenage couriers and directly to those in the area needing a fix. In April, Manchester Crown Court heard how undercover cops had exposed one criminal gang headed by Martin Joyce, which supplied crack cocaine and heroin. The investigation focused on an alleyway, known as Back Piccadilly, which was notorious for drug deals due to its private and secluded nature. In total the operation led to 23 criminals being brought before the court and given sentences ranging from two to five years. GMP acknowledge that Piccadilly Gardens presents a 'unique challenge' for officers and they have to worked with local partners and charities to try to tackle problems. I've been robbed twice there. That's why we both stay away – it's just not safe Carl From March to May this year, 93 people were arrested for a variety of offences while 384 people were stop and searched. Cops' Operation Vulcan led to a targeted 18-month long operation to root out drug dealers and tackle crime in the area, and a dedicated police team now patrol the area day and night. Police tactics rely on a mix of regular visible patrols, community meetings and briefings, and 'targeted activity' - such as weapon or drug sweeps. And they work with the council to secure criminal behaviour orders against repeat offenders to effectively ban them from returning to Piccadilly Gardens or the wider city area. But Superintendent Nicola Williams, of GMP, says she doesn't underestimate the challenge faced by the force. 'I am realistic,' she told the Manchester Evening News in May. 'I have worked in neighbourhood policing all my career. Piccadilly Gardens is a particularly challenging space because of the footfall that passes through it every day. It's 24/7. And I recognise we can't be here 24/7 too. 'We are adopting a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour here, so if someone is here behaving in that manner, we will deal with it. "If they're begging, they will get arrested. If they're smoking a joint, they will get arrested. If we see someone dealing, they will get arrested. 20 20 'I am committed to that because those are the things that really impact people coming to Piccadilly Gardens about their daily business. "We don't want to smell cannabis, see someone who has perhaps been sleeping here all night and potentially under the influence, it doesn't help people feel safe.' Inspector Kam Hare, of GMP's City Centre Piccadilly Gardens neighbourhood policing team, told The Sun: 'We have a team dedicated to tackling issues in Piccadilly Gardens as we are acutely aware of the complex challenges that this area does present. 'Through a strategy of working with partners including Manchester City Council, we are working together to tackle these problems with long-term solutions. "The foundations of the problem-solving approach we have seen in Piccadilly Gardens had seen real progress being made in terms of safeguarding, enforcement, and our understanding of the issues and concerns communities are facing. 'Over the past six months alone we have seen 249 arrests resulting in 183 charges, 27 knives seized and large amounts of Class A and Class B drugs seized. We will continue to take action in this area ensuring criminals know they cannot operate here. 'We are determined to ensure the perception of Piccadilly Gardens, and the public's feeling of safety in the area, continues to improve. "We cannot do this alone however and will work with our partners to achieve this alongside the backing of additional force resources whenever and wherever there is intelligence or demand to suggest we need extra officers in the area. 'We also rely on intelligence from members of our community – from the people that work in the area to those that live in the buildings surround the gardens. "Please continue to report incidents to ourselves as it helps us to build a targeted plan of activity that our neighbourhood officers can use.' A City Council spokesperson said: 'We know that Piccadilly Gardens sometimes attracts negative headlines. We're bringing forward plans to improve its appearance and boost public confidence in its safety. "There have been intensive police crackdowns with operations such as Operation Vulcan and ongoing days of action resulting in many arrests. "We are working closely with Greater Manchester Police to build on the successes of this approach and strengthen its long term impact in tackling and preventing crime and anti-social behaviour.' The spokesperson added that plans would be announced next month for 'immediate and long term measures' to ensure it is a welcoming space for residents and visitors alike. 20
The Sun
8 minutes ago
- The Sun
My husband killed my kids as revenge for leaving him, but they could have be saved – now I want my babies exhumed
AS ELLIE McCulloch bickered with her ex husband Ron Jonker over who would get custody of the kids, she couldn't believe how unreasonable he was being. Happy for him to see the kids whenever he liked, Ellie wanted her children to have their father in their lives. 8 8 8 But Jonker wanted to hurt her and Ellie underestimated just how far he was willing to go. After losing their custody battle in court bitter Jonker drove his three children miles away from their mum and killed them and himself by filling the car with exhaust fumes. 'He warned if I won in court, he'd make sure I'd lose in the end,' heartbroken Ellie says. 'I begged authorities to take my children away from him. 'I'm devastated that 27 years after my beautiful children were murdered, we still haven't learned that when it comes to children's lives, it's better to be safe than sorry.' Ellie, who lives in Western Australia, was just 15 when she met Jonker, then 21, at her dad David's fishing club. 'We became friends but we didn't start seeing each other until five years later,' says Ellie, now 55. 'By then I was a single mum with a seven-month-old boy named after my dad and Ron had a son with his former wife.' The couple went on to have another boy named Aaron together and got married soon after. When David was six and Aaron was almost four, the couple welcomed their daughter Ashlee. 'All I'd ever wanted in life was to be a mum and I worked hard at being a good one,' Ellie says. 'The kids were my pride and joy. 'David was tall for his age with beautiful blue eyes and blonde hair. He was my little man. He was close to my dad who he called 'Gampa' and he liked fishing and country music. 'Meanwhile Aaron was my quiet one and had a beautiful smile and blue eyes too. 'He and David were best mates and they doted on their blue-eyed baby sister.' Behind closed doors While Ellie thrived off being a parent and loved family life, her relationship with Jonker deteriorated. 'He was verbally abusive and pushed and shoved me,' Ellie says. 'But worse than that he was completely disinterested in the kids and even cruel.' 8 8 Ellie claims there were several occasions when she had seen Jonker physically harm her boys and by the end of September 1998 she ended the relationship moving herself and the kids in with her dad. 'Ron was angry but I tried keeping things civil,' Ellie says. 'I told him he could have the kids over whenever he liked and that he was welcome over for dinner any time. 'I thought we'd work it out.' On Friday, October 2nd, Ron took the kids for the weekend. After a few days he called to ask if he could have the children for a few more days. 'I agreed hoping it was an attempt from him at being a better dad,' Ellie says. 'But when I popped in to see the children, Ron flew into a rage, grabbing me round the throat.' Custody battle begins A few days later Jonker called Ellie to tell he was going to file for full custody of the kids. 'I was distraught,' she admits. 'I loved my kids so much that if I genuinely thought Ron was the better parent, I'd have let him raise them, after all I had been raised by my dad. 'Ron refused to give the kids back and would be violent and abusive when I saw him.' On Monday October 19 1998, three weeks after the couple split, they had the custody hearing. The judge awarded Ellie custody, allowing Jonker two weekends out of three and he was ordered to return the children on October 23rd. 'When I saw Ron outside the court it was like looking at evil and I had a horrific premonition,' Ellie recalls. Killer instincts 'I told my lawyer I was sure he was going to kill our kids and begged her to do something but she said there was nothing she could do as there was no sign he was going to hurt them.' But Ellie was so concerned that she called the police. An officer was sent round to Jonker's home but they reported he was no threat to himself or his children. 'I called the child welfare authorities and begged them to take the kids out of his care,' Ellie recalls. 'I gave them permission to put my kids in the system as long as they were away from him but nobody listened.' On 21st October, Jonker allowed the children to call Ellie and she spoke to Aaron and David briefly. 'They seemed fine and Ron indicated he was bringing them kids back so I was excited,' she says. At around 6.20pm Jonker called and spoke to Ellie's dad David and instructed him to go to the bottom of the drive. 'I assumed he was handing the kids to dad and didn't want to see me,' Ellie says. But David snr only returned with a letter from Jonker. It read: 'I did warn you that if you won in court, you would lose. Murder threats made 'Unless some divine miracle happens the next time you see my kids will be to make a positive ID at the Coroner's Office.' Ellie admits she was 'hysterical' but was able to call the police who arrived 15 minutes later. They consulted with a superior then instructed Ellie to ring Jonker to find out where he was and arrange a meeting. 'After repeated calls, I got through,' Ellie says. 'I told him he could have full custody as long as he didn't hurt the children. 'He agreed to meet me at 8.30pm at a place called Gingin but warned me to come alone.' It was just before 7pm and Gingin was 80 minutes away. 'The cops told me it was too dangerous for me to go and insisted on accompanying me,' Ellie says. 'At 8.20pm he rang and dad answered who stalled him by telling him I was on the way. 'He rang again 20 minutes later, he heard the boys in the background and they were crying 'Gampa help us'.' As the police approached, Jonker caught sight of them and drove off. They followed the car but had to abandon it when Jonker hit 170km. 'He called me afterwards and told me he'd warned me about the police,' Ellie says. 'He said he thought he'd lost them and said 'you've done your dash' then hung up. Where to seek grief support Need professional help with grief? Child Bereavement UK Cruse Bereavement Relate The Good Grief Trust You can also always speak to your GP if you're struggling. You're Not Alone Check out these books, podcasts and apps that all expertly navigate grief… Griefcast: Cariad Lloyd interviews comedians on this award-winning podcast. The Madness Of Grief by Rev Richard Coles (£9.99, W&N): The Strictly fave writes movingly on losing his husband David to alcoholism. Terrible, Thanks For Asking: Podcast host Nora McInerny encourages non-celebs to share how they're really feeling. Good Mourning by Sally Douglas and Imogen Carn (£14.99, Murdoch Books): A guide for people who've suffered sudden loss, like the authors who both lost their mums. Grief Works: Download this for daily meditations and expert tips. How To Grieve Like A Champ by Lianna Champ (£3.99, Red Door Press): A book for improving your relationship with death. 'I knew he meant it was all over now and sobbed, hoping the police would find him again.' But there was no trace of Jonker, 33, and the children until the car was spotted on a quiet bush track by an air force plane the following day. 'A woman officer broke the news to me that Ron and the kids were inside, all dead,' Ellie says. 'I can remember someone putting their arms around me and then being sedated.' Jonker had killed himself and the children with exhaust fumes. Ashlee, 17 months, was in his arms. 'A police friend of dad's advised me not to ID or view the children,' Ellie says. 'I didn't want to go to the funeral, it meant it was real. But of course, I did go. 'When I saw the little white coffins, I almost passed out.' The three children were buried together, with Ashlee dressed in her favourite pair of bunny ears. 'I'd lived for my kids and now I didn't want to live anymore,' Ellie says. 'The only reason I am still here is because otherwise Ron would win. 'I tried blocking everything out with drink and drugs - it broke my dad's heart.' But there was more pain to come for the family. Police blunders uncovered At an inquest in 2000 it was revealed the kids might have been saved if it wasn't for police blunders. They had the 8.30pm meeting time from 7pm but nobody got there until 9.30pm, because it was unclear who was leading the manhunt. The police helicopter was being serviced and the tactical squad was on another job. No roadblocks were set up and when the police did spot Jonkers, they lost him after just one car was in pursuit of him. Officers from another police station couldn't attend because they'd run out of petrol and all the fuel stations were closed. 'It was heartbreaking,' Ellie says. 'After the inquest, I asked for the police files but was told they'd disappeared in transit. 'For another eight years, I was a lost soul.' Then, in 2012, Ellie and her dad moved from Perth to Bunbury, a couple of hours south, for a fresh start, with the father and daughter living next door to one another. 'I met a decent man at last, Richard and dad loved him,' Ellie says. In September 2018, six months after Richard and Ellie were married, David passed away aged 82. 'It's only recently I've felt strong enough to face what happened," Ellie says. 'I can't stand by any longer while these family murder-suicides keep happening. 'So, I'm going to request the police files again, I want accountability. 'The same mistakes are still being made.' Ellie wants to see concerns like hers be taken more seriously. 'If one parent is concerned the other might harm their kids, they should be removed immediately,' she says. 'Give them to the grandparents, just get them out.' Final closure Ellie now wants her children's bodies exhumed to help her gain the final closure she needs. 'I want my babies exhumed and cremated, so they can be with me permanently,' she says. 'When I pass their ashes can be with mine. 'It'll cost about £15,000, which I just don't have. 'I'm considering a GoFundMe but people can be cruel though. 'I've been through so much in my life, I'm not sure I could handle any negative comments so I am still deciding what to do. 'Having their ashes would bring some peace to my life. 'And then at least I'd know that when I pass, I would be with my babies for eternity.' 8 8
