Man found dead in restricted pool at swimming facility
A municipal employee who was present at the site discovered the body and reported it to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The community of Newcastle was left in shock after the lifeless body of an adult male was recently discovered in one of the Swimming pools at a municipal pool facility in Sunny Ridge.
According to reports, the body was found floating in the water, sparking an immediate response from local law enforcement.
The deceased, according to a statement released by the Newcastle municipality, had gotten into a pool that was clearly demarcated with an ‘unauthorized use’ signboard and was restricted to the general public due to the fact that it was not safe to enter.
A municipal employee who was present at the site discovered the body and reported it to the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The police opened an inquiry to determine the circumstances of the drowning and said additional information will be released once the inquiry starts.
Newcastle Municipality responded to the tragedy by releasing a statement calling for an end to the tragedy and expressing sympathy with the family and relatives of the victim.
“This is a heart-wrenching tragedy for the community,” said the municipality in a press release. “We send our deepest condolences to the loved ones affected by this loss.”
Officials also took the opportunity to issue a safety warning to the public, urging caution around public swimming areas, particularly at the height of summer.
“Residents are strongly cautioned against entering barricaded areas since they are hazardous,” the statement continued. “We urge all to make use of operational municipal swimming pools during their designated times to ensure safety.”
As the investigation continues, authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant when using municipal swimming pools.
The municipality provided the following schedule for public swimming pools:
- Amcor Dam Swimming Pool: Open Sunday-Tuesday & Thursday-Saturday (closed Wednesday)
- Newcastle Swimming Pool: Open Monday-Wednesday & Friday-Sunday (closed Thursday)
- Arbor Park Swimming Pool: Open Saturday-Monday & Wednesday-Friday (closed Tuesday)
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Saturday: 11:00 – 18:00
- Sunday: 1:00 – 18:00
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