The operator of a swimming pool where a young boy drowned after arriving for his first swimming lesson has been cleared of any blame.

Merton Council's environmental health department made the announcement, following a lengthy inquiry. exonerating Greenwich Leisure Services Ltd, which runs Canons Leisure Centre, in Mitcham,

It spent nearly eight months investigating Moussa Dembele's tragic death.

The little boy had gone with his dad, Diakarida, for his first swimming lesson in the teaching pool but, due to a mix up, wandered to the main pool instead. He was found at the bottom and resuscitated by lifeguards but he died later in hospital.

After the inquest in August his father claimed no lifeguards had been present at the time of the incident itself.

But director of environmental services Richard Rawes said Greenwich Leisure Services Ltd had made proper risk assessments of the pool, the life-guarding procedures and had the legally required number of lifeguards on duty.

He said the police and Crown Prosecution Service took the view there was no evidence to support a manslaughter case but his department had to decide whether any legal action should be taken against Greenwich Leisure.

He said: "This investigation has just been finalised and it is the view of the investigating department, supported by the council's solicitors, that the company was not to blame for the child's death.

"It appears this was a tragic accident."

December 28, 2001 15:01