MAIB Raises Concerns Over Risk Management

A new report which has criticised safety standards at a water park where an 11-year-old girl was killed last year has been welcomed by a public liability expert at Irwin Mitchell.

Mari-Simon Cronje was seriously injured at Princes Club Water Sports Park in London last September when she was hit by the propeller of the boat after falling from the inflatable it was towing. She then died shortly after arriving at hospital.

A report by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) has described safety systems in place at the park as “flawed at every level” and suggested that risks on the ride were not properly controlled.

It is thought the boat’s driver, who had to pay attention to both his route and the welfare of those on the inflatable behind him, did not see the girl in the water.

Katrina Elsey, a public liability specialist at Irwin Mitchell, acts for a number of people who have been victims of injury through another party’s negligence, as well as the families of those who have died as a result of incidents in public places.

Commenting on the MAIB report, she said: “This was undoubtedly a terrible incident which simply should not be allowed to happen again.

“The serious failings seen in this case are incredibly concerning and it is vital that all water park and similar leisure facility operators consider these conclusions in order to ensure the same mistakes are not made again.

“Families who visit parks like this deserve reassurances that the safety standards in place are both comprehensive and completely effective at protecting them and their loved ones from harm.

“This report is particularly timely with the summer holidays coming up, meaning many people will be heading to leisure parks like this over the next few weeks. It is vital that the health and safety of those going to such places is always a priority.”