A DAD desperately tried to save his toddler son who drowned in a fitness centre pool.

       Steven Wright dived in after a frantic search for three-year-old Rocco Wright at a David Lloyd centre in the Moortown suburb of Leeds.

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       Three-year-old Rocco Wright died despite dad Steven trying to save him Credit: PA:Press Association

       An inquest heard how the boy, from Scarcroft in West Yorkshire, had been in the pool for about five minutes and was found face down.

       Fitness firm David Lloyd Leisure has now admitted liability for Rocco's death in April 2018.

       The company, being prosecuted by Leeds City Council, pleaded guilty at Leeds Crown Court yesterday to failing to ensure the health and safety of a person.

       Rocco's distraught parents have condemned David Lloyd chiefs for putting "profit before safety".

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       Samuel Green, prosecuting on behalf of the council, told this week's trial only one lifeguard was on duty the day Rocco drowned.

       Health and Safety Executive guidelines a pool of that size - 25 metres long - should have a minimum of two lifeguards watching.

       Mr Green said staff members had raised concerns but were told by the firm there was no money for extra employees.

       One worker said he would get just two 10-minute breaks during a full shift, the court heard.

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       Another said that during breaks, unqualified employees would be put into service as makeshift lifeguards - while staff were also expected to carry out other tasks while lifeguarding such as cleaning the poolside and testing the water.

       Mr Green said: "Failings of the company made a significant contribution - therefore in law, caused Rocco's death."

       Representing David Lloyd Leisure, barrister Simon Antrobus read out an apology from the firm admitting: "We simply did not do enough."

       Mr Antrobus added: "Its breach was a significant cause of Rocco's death.

       "The company bears responsibility for the way its club performed."

       He insisted staff concerns "were not being systematically ignored", but added: "Criticisms can be made that they did not respond sufficiently."

       A very bright, happy little boy

       Rocco's mum Catharine Wright

       An inquest previously heard the sole lifeguard on duty the day of the tragedy, positioned at one end of the pool, was a 17-year-old with less than three months' experience in the job.

       It was only when Mr Wright jumped in and called for help that the lifeguard realised anything was wrong.

       An inquest jury at Wakefield Coroners' Court recorded a verdict of accidental death in February 2020, after being told by coroner Jonathan Leach this was the only option open to them.

       The hearing was told visibility of the bottom of the pool was a problem from where the lifeguard's chair was positioned.

       Mr Wright recalled at the inquest the moment when he realised Rocco was no longer beside him, prompting him to scan the pool and check both the corridor leading to changing rooms and a spa area.

       Mr Wright went on: "I turned around and looked at the main pool - that's when I saw him.

       "I just saw an outline at the bottom of the pool, which I now know was Rocco.

       "I dived in and got him out, got him to the side and screamed for help."

       Attempts were made to revive Rocco before he was taken to Leeds General Infirmary, where he was pronounced dead the following day.

       His mother Catharine Wright described him as "a very bright, happy little boy" who "never sat still and loved nothing more than pretending to be a superhero".

       In a statement after the inquest, Rocco's family said: "We are extremely shocked to hear that David Lloyd chose to appoint only one lifeguard to supervise their 25-metre pool on that Saturday morning, when it was known to them that a large number of young children would be swimming.

       "We were devastated to hear the facilities manager give testimony that lifeguard numbers had been cut at the pool due to what he stated was 'staff optimisation' in line with budget cuts, despite numerous lifeguards stating they had raised concerns about lifeguard numbers and general safety at the pool.

       "This, in our opinion, proves David Lloyd put profit before safety. We will never get over our loss and continue to grieve daily for the life Rocco never got to live."

       The company is due to be sentenced at the same court on August 1.

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       David Lloyd has 131 clubs across Europe including 102 in the UK.

       A four-year-old girl died after she was injured in a horrific accident at a David Lloyd gym in Luton, Bedfordshire, in May last year.

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       David Lloyd Leisure have admitted failing Rocco at their fitness centre in Leeds Credit: SWNS:South West News Service 3

       Police were called to the scene of the tragedy on April 21 2018 Credit: MEN Media