A CORONER has made a series of safety recommendations following in inquest into the death of an eight-year-old boy who drowned while swimming.

Kaimen Ward, of Northallerton, died in August last year, during a swimming session at the Hambleton Leisure Centre in the town.

The jury in the inquest yesterday recorded a verdict of misadventure.

Hambleton District Council, which runs the leisure centre, was accused by Kaimen’s uncle of “penny-pinching” over the number of lifeguards on duty the day the youngster died. At the conclusion of the inquest, coroner Michael Oakley said he would be making a number of recommendations to both the council and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

He said: “It is clear from the evidence we have heard that, while the pool was being operated entirely within current guidelines, sometimes it takes a tragedy for people to look at the procedures to see whether they can or need to be improved.”

Mr Oakley will recommend closer monitoring of young people entering swimming pools and a ban on access for anyone suspected of consuming alcohol. This comes after the inquest heard two of the youngsters who were looking after Kaimen had been drinking on the day in question.

Mr Oakley will also recommend consideration be given to the provision of extra lifeguards in free-form leisure pools, such as the one Kaimen was using.

After the hearing, a short statement was read on behalf of Kaimen’s mother, Caroline Ward, and her family, thanking the police and the jury for their efforts.