Coroner finds spa death was preventable

Deputy NSW State Coroner Paul MacMahon has found the tragic death of Shannon Rankin in a 2006 entrapment incident in Forster was avoidable.

He found that the action or inaction of the pool and spa builder, A1 Pools & Spas, contributed to her death by placing the main drain in the floor of the spa.

He also found pool interior contractor, Pebble Pave Pool Interiors Pty Ltd, contributed to her death by failing to prevent waste material entering the drain – where it solidified and restricted water flow. The pipe below the main drain of the spa was blocked by sand, dirt and cement used in the pebblecreting of the spa, intensifying the pressure holding the 11-year-old girl to the suction under the water.

The incident occurred on March 25, 2006 in the pool spa at the Sevan Apartments, Forster on the NSW mid-north coast. The girl was trapped against the drain by water pressure estimated at 350kg. The effort of three adults failed to pull her free, and she drowned.

The deputy coroner said the tragedy was magnified by the fact that her death was avoidable.

He did point out that there was no credible evidence to suggest any person or persons had actual knowledge of the danger that existed in the spa.

The deputy coroner recommended the NSW government ban the installation of drains in the floor of spa pools in future constructions, and that an independent expert should certify that pools and spas are compliant with statutory requirements before they can be used.

He also said that the public should be informed through the media of the potential dangers associated with existing drains in the floors of spas.

Shannon’s parents, David and Donna Rankin, said that more pool and spa drownings would occur unless there was an industry overhaul.

David Rankin said that it was critical that the pool and spa industry takes the lead in implementing changes to eliminate safety shortfalls, and that the new processes are underpinned by legislation.