Pool staff ‘working with police’ as drowning investigation continues

The pool will remain closed for several days as the investigation into the four-year-old’s death is carried out.

About 3.35pm on Saturday emergency services were called to the Hill Street facility after a girl was found motionless in the indoor kids’ pool.

Attempts to revive the young girl were made by family and lifeguards on scene before she was taken to Orange hospital, where she was pronounced deceased.

There were seven staff on duty at the time.

Police from Canobolas Local Area Command have started an investigation and are speaking to witnesses and reviewing CCTV footage.

Orange mayor Reg Kidd said aquatic centre staff had received counselling.

“Staff are working with police as they prepare a report for the formal investigation,” Cr Kidd said.

“Staff too are being offered personal support, and so the pool will remain closed in the coming days.

“The council encourages anyone who was a witness to contact police directly. This is very sensitive matter.”

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Cr Kidd on Sunday said the Orange community’s thoughts and prayers were with the grieving family.

“Nothing we can say today can ease the pain the family is going through, other than to say that they are not alone,” he said.

“Everyone who has swum at the Orange pool can imagine the sadness and grief the family and our staff are feeling today.

“Today is a time for offering that support.”

A spokeswoman for SafeWork NSW said they had not yet been notified of the incident.

“SafeWork NSW has not been officially notified of this incident, but will make preliminary inquiries to determine whether it is a work-related matter and therefore a notifiable incident,” she said.