A leisure centre has apologised to a young boy after he was rescued by his mum during a swimming lesson after 'she feared he would drown'.
Kelly Luther’s six-year-old son Finley was taking part in his swimming lesson at Rossmore Leisure Centre in Poole on Friday, December 9 when the incident took place.
The leisure centre said they have since apologised to Finley for what happened and that people did check on the boy afterwards.
Kelly said she was stood at the side of the pool watching her son as he was attempting to complete a so-called dolphin swim.
“I’m not quite sure at what point in your life you would actually need this,” Finley’s mother said.
“But new people are meant to stay to one side of their section because they can touch the floor there.
“The teacher just let Finley go where he wanted and he was right down the middle.
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“He looked like a seal trying to swim. He couldn't get his bearings and then his goggles came down across his nose.”
Kelly said she then noticed Finley “struggling more and more”, adding: “and he was staying under the water more and more.”
At this point, one of Finley’s friends attempted to pull his struggling friend from the pool.
Concerned for her son, Kerry hurried through the barriers to get Finley to swim towards her. She said: “The teachers stood on the other side of the pool talking and the lifeguard was still in their chair.
“I could just see the fear in his face and I just took my shoes off, jumped in and they didn't even come over to see if he was OK.
“He is scared to get into the water again. Four or five days after, you could put the shower on and he would wince.”
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Rob Slocombe, Everyone Active’s contract manager, said the lifeguard and duty manager checked the wellbeing of the child and that they have investigated, and that any actions required will be be implemented.
“We also met with the mother to apologise and discuss what occurred, while we have offered the child support in building his water confidence and helping him get back into swimming lessons,” he added.
“All our swimming teachers are trained to Swim England level two or equivalent, while all our lifeguards possess the Royal Lifeguard Saving Society’s National Pool Lifeguard Qualification.”
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