Kempele swimming pit faces safety concerns after child’s drowning
The Municipality of Kempele has temporarily closed the diving platform at its Kalliomonttu swimming pit following the drowning of a child under 15 on 11 July. The incident has prompted renewed safety discussions, as swimmers have begun jumping from surrounding rock faces instead, raising concerns about further accidents.
Municipal Manager Tuomas Lohi confirmed that the platform was shut down to prevent unsafe behaviour, but the shift to cliff jumping has created new risks. Yle reports that the diving platform was initially installed years ago to discourage people from jumping off the rocks, as the uneven depth of the water and slippery surfaces pose significant hazards. Lohi warned that a failed jump could result in hitting the rock or misjudging the water’s depth, which may appear shallower from above.
The swimming pit has seen multiple tragedies in recent years. In addition to the July incident, an adult drowned at the same location last summer. According to Yle, the child who drowned in July was found at a depth of 7–8 metres, and resuscitation attempts were unsuccessful. Ilta-Sanomat reported that candles and flowers were left at the site in the aftermath.
Safety measures under review
Kempele is evaluating potential safety improvements in collaboration with the Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) and the North Ostrobothnia Rescue Department. Proposed measures include increasing the number of lifebuoys, installing buoy lines to mark safe areas and provide resting spots, and clearing vegetation around the pit to improve visibility. Lohi also suggested the possibility of constructing a pontoon platform at the base of the stairs leading into the water.
Currently, the swimming pit is supervised only on weekdays, but the municipality is considering extending supervision to weekends. While the diving platform may eventually reopen, Lohi previously told Ilta-Sanomat that its complete removal was also under consideration.
The Rescue Department’s Risk Management Chief noted that the recent fatalities have prompted a reassessment of the site’s safety, despite it not previously being classified as high-risk. The municipality aims to balance recreational use with accident prevention as it finalises its plans.
