A COUNCIL was yesterday fined £12,000 for breaking health and safety rules following a teenager's death in a swimming pool.

Scarborough Borough Council, North Yorkshire, was also ordered to pay more than £8,000 Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution costs by the town's magistrates in connection with the June 2000 tragedy. Former lifeguard Jason Prosser was fined £500.

The case followed the death of a 16-year-old from Hull, John Rudderham, after an epileptic fit at the packed outdoor pool of the Atlantic Water Park, in Scarborough.

At an inquest in August 2001, Coroner Michael Oakley recorded a verdict of accidental death, but criticised the lack of training for lifeguards.

Yesterday, the council and Prosser both admitted offences under the Health and Safety At Work Act.

The investigation was led by HSE inspector Paul Robinson, who said afterwards: "Swimming in a swimming pool when qualified lifeguards are on duty is a very healthy and safe form of exercise. People who encounter difficulties while in the water are regularly spotted and assisted to safety.

"Very unfortunately, each year a few people who get into difficulty, such as John Rudderham, may tragically drown if they are not quickly spotted and rescued.

"The court today has recognised that those involved in operating and working at a swimming pool are required to maintain high standards at all times and act quickly in any potential emergency situation."

Council chief executive John Trebble said the court had recognised the incident had been an isolated case.

"We place a very high priority on the safe running of our attractions and Atlantis has provided many hours of safe entertainment for thousands of visitors and residents over the years and has an excellent safety record."

He said the council had carried out a number of improvements since the tragedy.