Three-Year-Old Girl in Critical Condition After Pool Incident in Rhodes

A three-year-old girl is currently fighting for her life following a distressing incident at a hotel pool in Rhodes, Greece. The child, who was on holiday with her family, was reportedly left unattended in the swimming pool at a hotel in Lardos. Local authorities confirmed that she was discovered around midday on March 28, 2024.

According to police reports, CCTV footage shows the girl entering the pool alone. Approximately ten minutes later, a nearby sunbather, identified as a British doctor, noticed the child in distress and immediately jumped into the water. The woman successfully pulled the girl out and began administering CPR while emergency services were contacted.

Medical teams rushed to the scene and worked diligently to stabilize the child before transporting her to Rhodes Hospital in critical condition. Subsequently, she was airlifted to the University Hospital in Heraklion, Crete, where neurosurgeons performed an urgent procedure to alleviate pressure on her brain, as reported by local media outlets. The child remains in the intensive care unit, fighting for recovery.

Investigation and Arrests Following the Incident

The incident has prompted a swift investigation by local authorities. Rhodes police have arrested the girl’s uncle, who was responsible for supervising her, along with the manager of the travel agency associated with the hotel. They were taken into custody approximately two hours after the girl was found and have since been presented before the Rhodes District Court Prosecutor facing charges related to negligence.

Michalis Sokorelos, the director of Rhodes Hospital, provided insight into the child’s condition, stating that she had “obviously stayed in the water for a long time.” He added that upon arrival at the medical facility, the girl was “not reacting at all.”

The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is actively supporting the girl’s family and maintaining communication with Greek authorities as the situation develops. As the family awaits updates on her condition, the incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols at hotels, particularly regarding the supervision of young children in recreational areas.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance when it comes to child safety, especially in environments such as swimming pools where the risks can escalate rapidly. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this tragic event continues as the community rallies to support the family during this critical time.