Boy aged 11 dies during school swimming lesson at pool

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A school swimming lesson ended in tragedy yesterday with the death of an 11-year-old boy. A lifeguard pulled Nathan Matthews, a year six pupil, out of a pool at Thame Leisure Centre, Oxfordshire, after he appeared motionless in the water.

A school swimming lesson ended in tragedy yesterday with the death of an 11-year-old boy. A lifeguard pulled Nathan Matthews, a year six pupil, out of a pool at Thame Leisure Centre, Oxfordshire, after he appeared motionless in the water.

Nathan, who had been swimming with classmates from Stokenchurch Primary School in High Wycombe, had stopped breathing. Attempts to resuscitate him failed.

The boy, who leaves five siblings, was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford where he was certified dead at 12.30pm. His parents were contacted immediately by school staff and taken to the hospital.

Headteacher Andrew White said: "This is a tragedy, and our deepest sympathies are with the boy's family and friends at this time. He was a fun-loving and friendly boy who will be sadly missed at school."

Buckinghamshire County Council said: "Nathan was one of 88 year-six pupils who were completing a series of Monday morning swimming lessons at the pool. No one else was hurt in the incident and staff, pupils and family are being offered counselling and support by the council."