Kyra Hill's parents say regulations 'would save children's lives'

Kyra Hill's parents say regulations 'would save children's lives'

The tragic drowning of 11-year-old Kyra Hill at an aqua park has sparked a call for stricter regulations from her grieving parents. The incident occurred at Liquid Leisure near Windsor, Berkshire, in August 2022. An inquest later revealed that Kyra was unlawfully killed due to severe breaches in health and safety protocols, such as the absence of an emergency plan and a proper risk assessment. Heather Parker and Leonard Hill, Kyra’s parents, are advocating for measures like mandatory emergency plans and clear signage to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Reflecting on the devastating loss of their daughter, Mr. Hill expressed disbelief that such incidents could still happen in the UK in this day and age. The lack of proper safety measures and the inadequate response to the emergency are key points of concern raised by the grieving parents. The inquest highlighted a series of failures that led to Kyra’s prolonged struggle in the water, ultimately resulting in her untimely death. This loss has left a permanent scar on Kyra’s family, who are determined to ensure that other children do not face a similar fate.

Amidst the sorrow and shock of Kyra’s passing, her parents are resolute in their demand for improved oversight and stricter governance of aqua parks nationwide. The tragic incident has shed light on potential gaps in safety regulations across the country, prompting Mr. Hill and Ms. Parker to speak out in the hopes of preventing future tragedies. They stress the urgent need for change in the industry to ensure that parents do not have to endure the heart-wrenching pain of losing a child in preventable circumstances. As they navigate their grief, the couple is united in their mission to protect other families from the anguish they have experienced.

Kyra’s parents remember her as a caring and compassionate young girl with a big heart who would want to shield others from the suffering she endured. They are adamant that no parent should have to face the nightmare of burying their own child and are demanding action to prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future. The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has acknowledged the importance of learning from Kyra’s tragic death and reinforcing safety regulations at aqua parks in line with the Health and Safety at Work Act. The BBC has reached out to Liquid Leisure and MHCLG for further comment on the incident

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