Tragic Accident at Atlantic Reach Holiday Park: An Inquest into the Drowning of Five-Year-Old Robin Caliskan

In a heartbreaking incident that has left many in shock, a five-year-old boy named Robin Caliskan drowned in a swimming pool at the Atlantic Reach Holiday Park, located near Newquay in Cornwall. The tragedy unfolded in July of last year, during what was meant to be a joyful family getaway. An inquest jury has since ruled the death as an accident, but the circumstances surrounding it raise significant concerns about safety protocols at the holiday park.

The Incident

Robin was enjoying a family holiday with his parents and siblings when the tragic event occurred. After arriving at the park and setting up their tent, the family decided to visit the indoor swimming pool. In a moment of miscommunication, Robin became separated from his parents while swimming. His father, Cemal Caliskan, believed Robin was with his mother in the larger pool, while he was supervising another child in the baby pool.

Cemal recounted the moments leading up to the tragedy, stating, “Robin was just playing there, my wife was heading to the big pool and Robin said, ‘Can I go please?’ I told him he needed to stay with his mum.” Unfortunately, the frosted glass separating the baby pool from the main pool misled both parents into thinking Robin was safe with the other.

Discovery and Response

Tragically, Robin was later found face down at the bottom of the indoor pool by members of the public. Despite immediate attempts to resuscitate him by bystanders and paramedics, he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter. A post-mortem examination confirmed that the cause of death was drowning.

The inquest revealed that Robin was unsupervised for a brief period due to the miscommunication between his parents. This tragic oversight highlights the critical importance of clear communication and supervision, especially in environments where children are at risk.

Safety Concerns at Atlantic Reach

One of the most alarming aspects of this incident is the absence of lifeguards at the swimming pool. Anne Marie Jameson, a health and safety enforcement officer at Cornwall Council, testified that the holiday park had no legal obligation to employ lifeguards. However, she expressed concerns that the park only met the minimum safety standards and warned of the potential risk of future deaths.

The inquest also revealed a previous near-miss incident at the pool, where an elderly man suffered a medical episode while swimming. These incidents raise serious questions about the safety measures in place at Atlantic Reach and whether they are sufficient to protect guests, particularly vulnerable children.

The Coroner’s Concerns

Andrew Cox, the senior coroner for Cornwall, expressed his ongoing concerns regarding safety at the holiday park. He announced plans to write a report aimed at preventing future deaths, emphasizing the need for improved safety protocols. The inquest jury’s verdict of accidental death serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of vigilance in ensuring the safety of children in recreational settings.

Conclusion

The tragic drowning of Robin Caliskan is a heart-wrenching reminder of the importance of safety and supervision in environments frequented by families. As the inquest has highlighted, miscommunication and inadequate safety measures can have devastating consequences. It is imperative for holiday parks and similar establishments to prioritize the safety of their guests, ensuring that such a tragedy does not occur again. The Caliskan family’s loss is a profound tragedy, and their story serves as a call to action for improved safety standards in recreational facilities across the country.