Unlawful killing verdict in inquest into the death of Kyra Hill at Liquid Leisure

The inquest at Reading Coroner's Court heard evidence from the lifeguard at the scene who raised the alarm that she had seen somebody in distress become submerged in the water. The lifeguard gave evidence that she was only practically trained in surface rescue, however and could not locate Kyra in the deep water in which she disappeared.

Senior coroner Heidi Connor criticised the owner of the park, Stuart Marston, who although she did not conclude was personally in breach, did highlight that he was 'largely unable to say what policies were, or are, in place' despite previous criminal proceedings, knowing the inquest was to happen, and having experienced legal advisers.

“I was left with the impression that Mr Marston thought of some health and safety practices, and the involvement of the local authority in this area, mostly as a hindrance to him being able to run his business”, the coroner said.

Describing the breaches in the duty of care owned to the public, the coroner listed the depth and visibility of the water and the absence of an emergency plan and risk assessment.

Rather than signs warning of deep water, which was more than 15ft depth in parts of the designated swimming area, the only signs erroneously warned of shallow water, she said.

The conclusion was that the gross breaches amounted to corporate negligence on behalf of Liquid Leisure and unlawful killing of Kyra.

Following the verdict, our clients Leonard Hill and Heather Parker, Kyra's parents, spoke the media about their aim to call on the Government to urgently overhaul the way aqua parks are run, primarily by introducing standard regulation and guidelines. Currently, there are no national regulations in the way entertainment parks such as Liquid Leisure conduct themselves to keep the public safe.

The family was represented by Harvinder Kaur and Harriet Salvesen-Sawh. Harvinder was quoted in the press as thanking the coroner for highlighting the serious errors leading up to Kyra's death and offering her support to Kyra's family in their campaign for regulation.

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For further information about inquests, please call Harvinder Kaur on 03304606762 or email harvinder.kaur@fieldfisher.com or call Harriet Salvesen-Sawh on 03304606761 or email harriet.salvesen-sawh@fieldfisher.com.

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