Anthony Yates
A 4-year-old girl died at a popular indoor waterpark in the UK earlier this month. Many details remain unclear, but the establishment has refuted claims that the wave machine was active at the time.
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Staffordshire Police posted a news release confirming they were called to Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent on August 4 at around 4:20 PM. Waterworld staff and emergency services treated the young girl at the scene. Authorities transported her to a local hospital, but she died a short while later.
At the time, Waterworld released a statement on Facebook confirming the incident occurred in the ‘Lagoon Area’ of the waterpark. Staff found the 4-year-old unconscious and provided aid at the poolside. The statement explains, “All other visitors were asked to quietly leave the pool out of respect for the rescue operation underway, and we would like to thank them for their support and collaboration.”
Waterworld remained closed the following day.
Waterworld Refutes Claims About An Active Wave Machine
Local outlet Stoke-on-Trent Live reported that a parent came forward saying their children struggled in the wave pool. The outlet posted a mother’s claims that the strength of the waves left one of her children in tears. She also alleged ‘6-foot-tall males’ struggled to hold their kids up.
Yesterday, Stoke-on-Trent Live posted an updated statement from Waterworld. “Following the recent tragic accident that occurred at Waterworld on August 4 2025, our entire team extends their deepest thoughts and sympathy to the family of the young girl involved. We confirm that this incident did not take place in the Wave Pool, nor were the waves on at the time,” the statement reads.
The establishment also directly addressed a reader’s comment about the wave pool. “In relation to your quoted visitor’s comments about the Wave Pool… An audible siren sounds every time the waves are about to start, and the waves build up gradually after the siren. The only entrance to the Wave Pool is via the shallow end, with a sloped beach entry, giving guests full visibility and discretion over whether to enter with their children,” they wrote.
The outlet reports that Staffordshire Police are yet to confirm a cause of death. They have asked the public not to speculate.
