Pool operator pleads guilty to safety breaches over child drowning at Port Fairy Community Pool

Following the drowning death of a child in 2021, the Port Fairy Community Pool Management Group has today pleaded guilty in the Warrnambool Magistrates' Court to a charge of failing to ensure persons are not exposed to risk.

The management group, which operates the Belfast Aquatics facility/Port Fairy Community Pool, was charged after a student drowned while on an excursion at Belfast Aquatics in May 2021.

Following an extensive investigation by the Victorian WorkCover Authority, the Port Fairy Community Pool Management Group was charged with breaching the Occupational Health and Safety Act after the death of a year two student who was on a school excursion at the facility three years ago.

WorkSafe Victoria previously accused the pool operator of failing to properly assess the swimming ability of students before allowing them to use an inflatable obstacle course.

The safety regulator also alleged the operator failed to have qualified lifeguards on duty.

In Court today, witnesses who were employed at the boy's school gave evidence about their supervision of the children on the day in question, and their own swim qualifications.

Prosecuting agency Victorian WorkCover Authority and defence attorneys agreed to accept a guilty plea to one charge.

The Victorian Department of Education has also pleaded guilty to breaching safety laws.

Image: The Belfast Aquatics facility/Port Fairy Community Pool.