Boy who drowned in hotel pool was with father at time of accident

A young boy who drowned in a pool in a Kerry hotel today was with his father in the pool when the accident happened.

The boy - understood to be five years old - was spotted face down in the water. Doctors on the scene attempted to resuscitate the boy and worked on him for several minutes after he was pulled from the water.

A Garda spokesman the youngster was rushed to Tralee General Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

The incident occurred at about 11.30am.

It is understood the family are from Ballymun in Dublin.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has looked into the death but it is understood preliminary inquiries have not revealed any work-related issues for officials to investigate.

Gardaí are examining the circumstances of the death which is being treated as an accident.

Management at the Gleneagle Hotel said they were deeply saddened by the death.

In a statement on behalf of the hotel a spokeswoman said there were two lifeguards on duty when the accident happened.

“We are deeply saddened by today’s events and our thoughts are with the family at this time,” she said.

“The pool was fully supervised at the time of the accident with two qualified lifeguards and all the appropriate steps were taken. All the relevant authorities have been notified.”

Out of respect for the family the pool was closed for the day.