Knapp House Activity Centre in Northam issued a statement stating that the pool was used ‘on a self-supervised basis for recreational use’ – and was not part of the ‘planned activity program we provide’.
It said: “We are fully committed to understand exactly how this could have happened and will continue to liaise with the emergency services, the Health and Safety Executive and Narcotics Anonymous to establish this.”
The death was confirmed yesterday (Tuesday, 29 August) after the boy had initially been reported missing. He was discovered in the pool on Monday afternoon.
It is believed by the local paper that he was at the resort with his family on a specially arranged trip for recovering drug addicts, organised by the charity Narcotics Anonymous, who has been undertaking trips to the park for the previous six years.
The charity said in a statement that one of the activities it organised with the centre was a supervised use of the swimming pool with trained lifeguards.
It said: “Very tragically, something has gone horrifically wrong, and a young child of one of our members drowned in the pool.
“We are not aware of the exact details of how this happened, and the police are obviously investigating.
“We find all attempt at expressing our sorrow and concern for the parents and siblings of this child inadequate, but as is normal in our fellowship, they will have plenty of support as they face their tragedy.”
A police spokesman said that officers were investigating the circumstances and the death is currently being treated as unexplained.
The HSE is yet to comment on the incident.
