Parents of boy who drowned at holiday park blame low lighting for not seeing him

02 August 2023 , 10:35

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Robin tragically died at the holiday park on Monday (Image: Cemal Caliskan/BPM Media)

The family of a "cute and clever" boy who drowned while on holiday say they weren't able to see he was in danger because of poor lighting around the swimming pool.

Robin Caliskan, five, died after getting into trouble in the pool at Atlantic Reach holiday park in Cornwall on Monday. The youngster had just arrived at the park with parents Ferzane and Cemal Caliskan, and their six-month-old baby, Renas.

The couple, both 35, have said the pool's "low lighting" and "barriers" obscured their view of their son when he began to struggle in the water. The schoolboy had been with Cemal in the main pool before heading to join his mum and little brother in the baby pool at the time, Plymouth Live reports.

Cemal and Ferzane hadn't immediately noticed Robin was in trouble. They have described their son as a loving and bright young boy, speaking out to warn other parents of the dangers of water.

Robin was described as 'very cute and clever' (Cemal Caliskan/BPM Media)

"I want every parent to see this story, this can't happen again, Cemal said. "We are suffering pain and we don't want any parents to have a similar feeling. We just wanted to share this to stop it happening again, to any other parents and any other children."

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The parents, from Greenbank, Plymouth, said the schoolboy "loved hugs" and was a "very cute and clever" little boy. "He was intelligent and his handwriting, he could write with both hands," Cemal said. Robin adored his baby brother, Renas, and "would love to put him on his legs and rock him".

Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed they are investigating the tragic incident on Monday afternoon. The force is now working with the council's health and safety board to probe Robin's death, which is not being treated as suspicious.

A spokesperson said on Tuesday: "Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a child at a holiday park in Newquay. Police were informed by the ambulance service that a five-year-old boy had drowned in a swimming pool within Atlantic Reach Holiday Park, yesterday afternoon (Monday 31 July).

The youngster doted on his baby brother, his parents said (Cemal Caliskal)

An investigation has been launched into Robin's death, which is not being treated as suspicious (Cemal Caliskan/BPM Media)

"The boy is from the Plymouth area and his next of kin are aware, the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is to be prepared for the coroner. Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police along with representatives from Cornwall Council Health and Safety are undertaking enquiries in relation to the circumstances surrounding this death."

The Atlantic Reach website states the holiday park does not employ lifeguards "at all times" and that "all swimmers must be accompanied by an adult (16+) swimmer at all times". Responding to the tragedy, the firm has said its thoughts are with Robin's family.

A statement issued on behalf of the resort said: "We do not feel it is appropriate to comment further at this stage, except to say our thoughts are with the family at this time. Atlantic Reach is committed to supporting our guests and community, as well as our team that provided immediate assistance. As such we respectfully ask that all those affected are given time and space at this distressing time."

Susie Beever