Leeds David Lloyd club admits liability over death of three-year-old Rocco Wright

Rocco Wright died at the David Lloyd club in Leeds in April 2018.

A health club has admitted liability over the death of a toddler who drowned in its swimming pool.Three-year-old Rocco Wright was found face down in the water at the David Lloyd centre in Leeds in April 2018.

The fitness firm pleaded guilty to failing to ensure his safety following a prosecution brought by Leeds City Council.

An inquest into Rocco's death heard he was with his father and four-year-old sister for a swimming lesson at the centre in Moortown when he died.His body was in the pool unseen for around five minutes before being recovered by his father Steven.

David Lloyd Leisure prosecuted after three-year-old boy dies in swimming pool
Rocco Wright's body was in the pool for five minutes before being recovered by his father. Credit: MEN Media

A single lifeguard, aged 17 and with less than three months' experience in the job, was on duty at the time. The inquest heard that it was not until Mr Wright jumped in the pool and called for help that the lifeguard was aware anything was wrong.In a statement after a coroner recorded a conclusion of accidental death, Rocco's family said: "We are extremely shocked to hear that David Lloyd chose to appoint only one lifeguard to supervise their 25 metre pool on that Saturday morning, when it was known to them that a large number of young children would be swimming."They accused the company of putting "profit before safety".

Leeds City Council said the incident "underlines the importance for employers and duty holders to ensure that the safety of their employees and customers is a priority".

Cllr Mohammed Rafique, executive member for consumer protection, said: "I would also like to thank the council’s environmental health and legal teams, and the barristers from St Paul’s Chambers for their dedication and hard work to ensure David Lloyd Leisure Limited were held accountable for their failings.

"Leeds City Council will always look to work with and support businesses to meet their legal duties, however the council won’t hesitate to take enforcement action in cases of serious and prolonged noncompliance."David Lloyd will be sentenced on 1 August.

Parents of toddler who drowned at Leeds pool 'totally devastated'

Want a quick and expert briefing on the biggest news stories? Listen to our latest podcasts to find out What You Need To Know.