The lifeguard on duty when a Seeta High School student drowned will be charged with negligence, after investigators concluded he failed in his duty to ensure safety at the swimming pool.
Kevin Nsamba, a Senior Six student, drowned on August 3, and his body was only discovered nearly 24 hours later on Monday afternoon.
Police spokesperson Kituuma Rusoke told journalists on Monday that crucial evidence had been obtained from CCTV footage near the pool, confirming lapses in supervision by lifeguard Dirisa Kato.
“Our police did its work, visited the scene, retrieved the body and reviewed the CCTV footage to establish the true account of how the student met his death" he said.
"We also made some arrests. We charged the caretaker (lifeguard) because he is one person whom the school gave responsibility to ensure safety of the persons or students who come to enjoy the swimming pool."
He added that the case file is ready and awaiting guidance from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
“We held him accountable because in our investigation we feel he has an explanation to give since the school apportioned him responsibility at the swimming pool where the student died. He is with us to give us explanation and accountability,” Rusoke added.
In a statement issued last week, school principal Davis Kafumbe said Nsamba and several other students, returning from a football match, “without authorization and outside the school’s swimming guidelines, ran towards and jumped into the school swimming pool.”
“Sadly, the victim, who did not know how to swim, was among them,” Kafumbe said, adding that the administration was unaware of the incident until roll call later that evening.
A search was then launched with school security before police were notified.
Police last week confirmed the arrest of the pool attendant, who was on duty at the time. Kampala Metropolitan Deputy Police Spokesperson Luke Owoyesigyire said preliminary reports indicated Nsamba had jumped into the deep end of the pool during an ongoing session under the lifeguard’s supervision.
His disappearance went unnoticed until later that evening, with the body recovered the following day. Investigators are examining whether the attendant’s inaction constitutes criminal negligence.
Rusoke has warned swimming pool owners to be more vigilant in hiring lifeguards, noting that some spend more time coaching swimmers for private fees than watching over the pool.
“There is a tendency of lifesavers in most swimming pool facilities mainly engaging in coaching activities instead of being observers. Because they concentrate on coaching activities, they forget their core responsibility of lifesaving,” he said.
Police have also urged proprietors to install CCTV cameras to help track activities around pools and improve response to emergencies.
