Paros: Bartender jumped into pool to save 4-year-old as safety measures come under scrutiny

The local community on the Greek island of Paros is in shock following the death of a 4-year-old child who drowned in the swimming pool of a beach bar on Saturday afternoon, August 8.

The child’s parents were brought before judicial authorities and, after charges were filed, were released. The owner of the beach bar is expected to appear before a prosecutor on Sunday.

All three face charges of negligent homicide.

Bartender jumped in to save the child

According to information available so far, the parents were in another area when the incident occurred.

Two young women spotted the child in the pool and began shouting for help.

An employee of the establishment, who works as a bartender, pulled the 4-year-old from the water, but the child had no pulse.

Resuscitation efforts began immediately at the scene and continued after the child was transferred to a local health centre.

Despite the efforts of emergency responders and doctors, the child could not be revived.

It is also noted that the owner of the business is officially registered as the establishment’s lifeguard.

Safety measures under investigation

The preliminary investigation into the circumstances surrounding the child’s death remains ongoing.

Authorities are examining whether all legally required safety measures were being observed at the beach bar, who was responsible for supervising the child at the time of the incident and whether other individuals could bear responsibility.

Investigators are also looking into whether video or other audiovisual footage from the premises is available and could help establish exactly what happened in the moments leading up to the tragedy.