Boy, 5, dies at swimming pool just one hour after arriving at UK holiday park

A heartbroken father has come forward to share his devastating experience after his five-year-old son tragically passed away at a holiday park swimming pool. Ferzane and Cemal Caliskan, along with their two sons, Robin (5) and Renas (6 months), were enjoying their time at the Atlantic Reach holiday park in Newquay, Cornwall.

Shortly after arriving on July 31st, the family settled in, and they headed to the swimming pool. Around an hour later, the unthinkable happened, and Robin lost his life. Cemal recounted that Robin initially joined him in the main pool but then decided to be with his mom and baby brother at the baby pool. Unfortunately, while transitioning between the pools, the young boy encountered difficulties in the water.

Cemal explains that due to certain “barriers” and inadequate lighting, neither he nor his wife noticed Robin struggling at first. He described his son as a “very cute and clever” boy, who was particularly “intelligent” and even had the ability to write with both hands. Robin was known for loving hugs and adoring his baby brother, often affectionately holding him and rocking him.

In the wake of this tragedy, Cemal hopes that his story will serve as a warning to other parents. He earnestly wants every parent to be aware of the risks and ensure such incidents never happen again. Their grief is immense, and they wish to spare other families from experiencing a similar loss.

The Atlantic Reach responded to the incident by promptly closing its Leisure Club for the rest of the evening. They issued an apology on Facebook and later informed visitors that the club would reopen as usual for gym and classes the following day, but the indoor and outdoor pools would remain closed until further notice.

Cornwall Council’s health and safety team, along with Devon and Cornwall Police, are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Robin’s death. The police stated that the incident is not being treated as suspicious, and they are preparing a file for the coroner.