Girl's death in Essex pool was accidental, jury decides

A girl who drowned in an Essex swimming pool died as a result of an accident, an inquest jury has found.

Seven-year-old Michelle Gellard was pulled unconscious from the pool at Blackwater Leisure Centre in Maldon on the afternoon of 14 June, 2008.

The jury returned a verdict of accidental death.

Leisure Connection, which runs the centre, said in a statement: "Our sympathies remain with Michelle's family in their tragic loss."

It added: "The company acknowledges the thanks that were offered at the inquest, on behalf of Michelle Gellard's family, to its duty manager and lifeguards for all that they did to attempt to save Michelle's life.

"Leisure Connection remains fully committed to ensuring that its policy and procedures comply with all health and safety requirements and that its staff receive the highest quality training and support."

Michelle, from east London, had been competing in a judo competition at the centre, and went for a swim after winning a silver medal.

She was pulled out of the pool by a lifeguard and a fellow swimmer.

Staff were unable to resuscitate her and she was flown to Colchester General Hospital where she was pronounced dead.

The coroner's court was sitting at Essex Record Office, Chelmsford.