TWO pool attendants are to face disciplinary action after a mother had to dive fully clothed into a swimming pool to save the life of her five-year-old daughter.

The attendants were on duty at Stockton's Splash swimming pool at the time of the incident last month.

The Health and Safety Executive made initial inquiries before leaving Tees Active Limited (TAL), who run the pool on behalf of Stockton Borough Council, to conduct its own investigation.

That investigation has been completed and in a statement, Steve Chaytor, managing director of TAL, said: "The health and safety of our customers is our absolute priority. There has been a swift and thorough investigation into this incident and, subsequently, two members of staff are currently going through our disciplinary process."

Karen Hicks, 37, of Fairfield, Stockton, told how her daughter, Chloe, had been attending her first organised swimming lesson on Saturday, July 30, when she slipped under the water while ducking under a rubber water ring.

Chloe panicked but rose to the surface only to slip again. This time she remained under water and Mrs Hicks jumped in to save her.

Mrs Hicks said her child had been scared to try to swim since the incident.

She said: "It knocked Chloe right back. We were on holiday recently and wanted to go on a boating trip, but Chloe couldn't face it.

" I'm pleased that action has been taken and I'm told that all the guidelines are being followed by the pool. I've had a letter from Tees Active Limited and they have assured me that everything that can be done as regards safety is being done. I just hope that there is never a serious incident at any of the pools."

A Stockton Borough Council spokesman assured the public that all pool attendants at Splash are qualified and trained.