Liquid Leisure fined £80,000 over death of schoolgirl Kyra Hill

Datchet’s Liquid Leisure water park has been fined £80,000 over the death of an 11-year-old girl at the venue.

Croydon schoolgirl Kyra Hill drowned after getting into difficulty in the water at the aqua park on August 6, 2022.

In the aftermath of Kyra’s tragic death, Windsor and Maidenhead council launched a health and safety investigation.

Liquid Leisure director Stuart Marston, of The Avenue, Wraysbury, entered a guilty plea of behalf of the company at Reading Magistrates’ Court on February 29.

On Friday, the company received an £80,000 fine and was ordered to pay £30,000 costs for failing to discharge a general health and safety duty to ensure a member of the public’s safety.

A spokesman for Windsor and Maidenhead council said: “This is a tragic and distressing case. First and foremost, we would again like express our condolences to the family and friends of Kyra Hill, who tragically lost her life at Liquid Leisure. We would also like to thank them for their patience as we progressed this matter through the courts.

A picture of 11-year-old Kyra Hill.

“We welcome the judge’s decision to deliver a firm sentence, reflecting the seriousness of this case, following the council’s investigation and prosecution on health and safety grounds.

“The legal onus is on businesses to comply fully with their legal requirements in order to manage and minimise risks to their staff and customers. Where there are breaches, as in this case, the council investigates, gathers evidence and undertakes enforcement.”

Liquid Leisure must also pay a victim surcharge of £2,000.

The company has been contacted for comment.