By Trend News Line 2024-05-23 05:04:42.
**Tragic Incident at Belfast Aquatics**
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**Grade 2 Student Drowns at Port Fairy Pool**
In a heartbreaking turn of events, Grade 2 student Cooper Onyett tragically drowned on May 21, 2021, at Belfast Aquatics in Port Fairy, Victoria. The young boy was on a school trip organized by Merrivale Primary School in Warrnambool when the incident occurred.
**Lack of Communication Leads to Tragedy**
According to reports from the County Court of Victoria at Warrnambool, Cooper’s mother had indicated on the permission slip that he was a beginner swimmer with little to no experience in shallow water. However, the school failed to communicate this vital information to the pool before allowing 28 Grade 2 students to visit the aquatic centre.
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**Lack of Supervision and Oversight**
Upon arrival at the pool, the students were asked to raise their hands if they could swim. While children who claimed to be able to swim were directed to an inflatable obstacle course in the deep end, many were later identified as weak swimmers and moved to the shallow end. Cooper was among the students categorized as weak swimmers.
**Tragic Loss and Failed Resuscitation Efforts**
Despite being identified as a weak swimmer, Cooper was seen outside the shallow area multiple times, including jumping into the deep end and on the inflatable course. Tragically, attempts to resuscitate him at the pool were unsuccessful, and he passed away as a result of the incident.
**Legal Ramifications and Accountability**
The education department of Victoria has pleaded guilty to breaching health and safety legislation in connection with Cooper’s death. The department admitted to failing to ensure that non-employees were not exposed to risks. The lack of communication regarding the children’s swimming abilities was highlighted as a crucial factor that could have prevented the tragic outcome.
**Questions of Responsibility and Oversight**
During the plea hearing, there were repeated questions about why the school collected information about the children’s swimming abilities if it was not intended to be shared with the pool. The department’s barrister cited planning purposes as the reason for collecting the information but acknowledged that it should have been disclosed to the pool for proper supervision and oversight.
**Community Pool Management’s Role**
Port Fairy Community Pool Management has also admitted to breaching health and safety legislation and will be sentenced on May 31. The plea hearing continues as authorities seek to hold all parties accountable for the tragic loss of young Cooper.
**Moving Forward**
As the investigation continues and legal proceedings unfold, the focus remains on ensuring that such incidents are prevented in the future. The importance of clear communication, proper oversight, and adherence to safety protocols cannot be understated in safeguarding the well-being of students during school activities. Our thoughts and prayers are with Cooper’s family and friends during this difficult time..
“weak swimmer”
“camp drowning”.
