Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre closes pools after incident involving a child

JOEY Dunlop Leisure Centre swimming pools were closed late this afternoon after after an incident involving a young child in the water, local Councillors have said.

The incident is understood to have occurred just before 4pm and at 17.10 the JDLC  Facebook page posted a notice saying that:

"Both pools will be closed this evening due to unforeseen circumstance."

Later that evening Councillor Darryl Wilson also made a post which read:

"The swimming pools at Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre in Ballymoney were closed this evening after an incident involving a young child in the water earlier this afternoon.

"The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) responded promptly, dispatching two Rapid Response Paramedics and an Emergency Crew to the scene shortly after 3:52 PM. Additionally, the Charity Air Ambulance, equipped with a Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) crew, was deployed to offer further support.
"Upon arrival, medical teams immediately assessed the child and provided urgent care. Subsequently, the young patient was transferred by ambulance to the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children for further treatment.
"I fully acknowledge the gravity of the incident at the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre. While specific details remain undisclosed, my thoughts and those of the community and council staff are with those affected. I would urge the public to respect the privacy of those involved as more information becomes available

Ballymoney Cllr Lee Kane said: 

"An incident occurred in the Joey Dunlop Leisure Centre earlier this evening, involving a young child, and requiring the attendance of both the NI Ambulance Service and the Air Ambulance. The child has been transferred to hospital for further treatment.
"My thoughts and prayers are with the child, and their family, at this time. I trust that he makes a full and speedy recovery from this experience.
"I praise the quick action of the poolside staff, and thank the whole team at the centre for their service. My thoughts are with them also, and others within the pool area, who witnessed this traumatic incident.
"I would appeal to the wider community to please respect the privacy, and the feelings, of those involved, and refrain from speculation and rumour. More details will become clear in the coming hours and days."