Six school staff, including two Filipinos, face criminal negligence for the death of a four-year-old boy who drowned at his school swimming pool in Sharjah on November 14, 2018.
The tragic incident happened during a swimming class the child was attending.
Two months following the incident, the Sharjah Misdemeanours Court heard the trial of the six school staff, including the school’s Emirati owner, an Arab physical education instructor, an Italian swimming instructor, an Australian teacher, a Filipino shadow teacher, and another Filipino lady, reported Khaleej Times.
The school owner faces charges for not having safety measures in the school’s pool area. According to the report, the pool is unsupervised and unlocked without a barrier and a guard to keep children out or falling in the pool.
The rest was charged with negligence for not supervising the pool area.
The father held the school fully responsible for his son’s death. He said that he informed them that his son doesn’t know how to swim. However, all of the six accused school staff denied the charges.
The school has expressed condolences to the family of the 4-year-old child, adding that they prioritize their students’ safety.
The trial was adjourned until April 6. The testimony of the school’s legal representative will be heard.
