Gardaí to review CCTV to find why boy drowned

The family of a four-year-old who drowned at the National Aquatic Centre were in mourning last night, with gardaí set to review CCTV footage to establish how he might have died.

Logan Joyce from Mooretown in Dublin, was found in the water in the Aquazone section of the NAC in west Dublin shortly after 6pm on Sunday.

It is understood Logan had been in the Lazy River section of the Aquazone, having gone to the NAC with his father, Michael, his sister Crystal and brother Brandon.

It is understood it was his father who found him in the water and who immediately called for help.

A lifeguard and the duty manager tried to resuscitate him at poolside at approximately 6.30pm and he was then transferred to nearby James Connolly Memorial Hospital in Blanchardstown. Tragically, he was pronounced dead at around 8.30pm. It is understood the boy suffered cardiac arrest consistent with drowning.

Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the death, and it is understood that while the Health and Safety Authority have been notified of the case, it is not under their remit.

Barry O’Brien, chief executive of the National Sports Campus Development Authority which operates the NAC, said the incident had been “traumatic” for everyone at the centre, and offered his “total sympathy” to the little boy’s distraught family.

“We are co-operating fully with the gardaí,” Mr O’Brien said. “It was in the Aquazone area, a recreational element of the Aquatic Centre.”

That section contains slides and paddling pools and it is believed Logan was in that area of the NAC with his father.

“As soon as something was brought to our attention the lifeguard and duty manager was involved,” Mr O’Brien said.

“We have had no incident like this in nine years and with more than five million paying visitors.”

He added that the Aquazone section was fully staffed “up to the requirement” at the time of the incident — more than 10 staff — and that all CCTV footage of the area has been provided to gardaí. A technical examination of the Lazy River section of the Aquazone was also carried out yesterday.

Logan’s grandfather David said Logan’s family was devastated at the death of the little boy.

“It was a day out for the kids. It was their first time in the Aquatic Centre.”

He added that the family’s world had “fallen apart”. Logan’s uncle Martin said the boy’s father and Tracy, his mother, were distraught, adding that it was “an awful tragedy.”

“Our family are taking this very hard.

“No one thought it would end up like this.”

Investigating officers will take statements from any witnesses and compile a file which is likely to be provided to the coroner.

They are also appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.