A tragic incident at a holiday park in Cornwall has left a family devastated as a five-year-old boy drowned in a swimming pool after becoming separated from his parents. Robin Caliskan, from Plymouth, was found face down in the pool at the Atlantic Reach Holiday Park near Newquay. The heartbreaking incident occurred shortly after the family arrived at the park on July 31 last year for a three-night break. Setting up their tent at 2 pm, the parents, Cemal and Ferzane Caliskan, decided to take their two sons – Robin and six-month-old Renas – for a swim in the park’s indoor pool.
Tragically, Robin became separated from his parents and was discovered at the bottom of the pool. Despite efforts by members of the public and paramedics to resuscitate him, Robin did not survive, as revealed during the inquest on Tuesday. Cemal Caliskan, speaking through an interpreter, recounted the heartbreaking moments leading up to the tragedy. He mentioned taking Robin to join his wife and baby son at the baby pool after a brief time in the big pool, where they took a family photo together. However, Robin expressed a desire to join his mum in the big pool, and Cemal allowed him to do so, believing Robin would stay with his mother.
Devastatingly, Robin’s parents only realized that he was missing when his wife returned from the big pool without him. Despite the efforts to save Robin, he could not be revived. The inquest revealed that there were no lifeguards on duty at the pool, as indicated by signs posted in the changing rooms and at the poolside. Cemal Caliskan mentioned that he had not seen these signs and had previously seen photos on Facebook showing lifeguards at the pool.
The inquest also heard from a paediatric consultant, Samantha Holden, who confirmed that the cause of Robin’s death was drowning according to the post-mortem examination. The tragic loss of Robin’s life on the first day of the family’s holiday to Newquay has left the family shattered. The hearing continues to delve into the circumstances surrounding this devastating incident.
As the investigation unfolds, the community mourns the loss of a young life and stands in solidarity with the grieving family. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of water safety and vigilance, especially when children are involved. The Caliskan family’s holiday turned into a nightmare within moments, highlighting the fragility of life and the need for increased awareness around water safety measures. The inquest proceedings will shed further light on the events leading up to this heartbreaking loss as the family seeks answers and closure.