Family heartbreak as 'cute and clever' boy, 5, dies in pool just one hour after arriving for holiday with parents

1 August 2023, 17:17 | Updated: 1 August 2023, 17:41

Robin Caliskal died on a family holiday on Monday
Robin Caliskal died on a family holiday on Monday. Picture: Cemal Caliskal

By Kit Heren

A family have been left heartbroken after their little boy died in apparent freak accident in a swimming pool this week, just an hour after they arrived on holiday.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Robin Caliskal, 5, was found dead at the pool in the Atlantic Reach resort in the Cornwall town of Newquay on Monday.

He had helped his parents, Ferzane and Cemal Caliskal, pitch their tent outside, before they all headed to the pool with Robin's six month-old brother, Renas.

His mother Ferzane went to the baby pool with Renas, while father Cemal went with Robin to the main pool.

Tragedy struck when Robin told Cemal that he wanted to go back and see his mother and brother.

Read more: 'Full of the spirit of life': Tributes pour in for British mum-of-ten killed in horror car crash on French motorway

Read more: Emotional David Hunter visits wife's grave in Cyprus for the first time after release from prison for her mercy-killing

Robin Caliskan
Robin Caliskan. Picture: Cemal Caliskal

He got into difficulty while walking over. His parents said that they didn't notice him because of the "low lighting" and "barriers" at the pool complex.

Mr Caliskal said: "I want every parent to see this story, this can't happen again. We are suffering pain and we don't want any parents to have a similar feeling. We just wanted to share this to stop it happening again, to any other parents and any other children."

Mr Caliskal said Robin "loved hugs" and was a "very cute and clever" boy.

"He was intelligent and his handwriting, he could write with both hands," he said. Robin adored his baby brother Renas and "would love to put him on his legs and rock him".

Robin Caliskal
Robin Caliskal. Picture: Cemal Caliskal

Atlantic Reach said on their Facebook page: "We have closed our Leisure Club for the remainder of this evening. We do apologise for this short notice.

"UPDATE to say that the Leisure Club will open as normal for gym & classes at 06:30 tomorrow (Tuesday 1st August) meanwhile the indoor pool will remain closed until at least 12 noon."

Atlantic Reach said later: "We do not feel it is appropriate to comment further at this stage, except to say our thoughts are with the family at this time. Atlantic Reach is committed to supporting our guests and community, as well as our team that provided immediate assistance. As such we respectfully ask that all those affected are given time and space at this distressing time.”

Police are investigating Robin's death, alongside the local council.

Robin Caliskal
Robin Caliskal. Picture: Cemal Caliskal

A Devon and Cornwall Police spokesperson said: "Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a child at a holiday park in Newquay. Police were informed by the ambulance service that a five-year-old boy had drowned in a swimming pool within Atlantic Reach Holiday Park, yesterday afternoon (Monday 31 July).

"The boy is from the Plymouth area and his next of kin are aware, the death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is to be prepared for the coroner. Officers from Devon and Cornwall Police along with representatives from Cornwall Council Health and Safety are undertaking enquiries in relation to the circumstances surrounding this death."

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

The Bibby Stockholm barge is set to close

Hundreds of Bibby Stockholm asylum seekers moved to hotels after Labour pledge to close barge accommodation

Children should get stickers not sweets during Halloween trick-or-treating, dentists demand (file image)

Children should get stickers not sweets during Halloween trick-or-treating, dentists demand

Ambulance worker messaged friend 'oopsie' after trying to kill boss in 'frenzied' hammer attack in row over shifts (Left: Smith, Right: Morton)

Ambulance worker messaged friend 'oopsie' after trying to kill boss in 'frenzied' hammer attack in row over shifts

Reeves vowes to put 'more pounds in people’s pockets' despite admitting touch decisions to come in Budget

Rachel Reeves vows to put 'more pounds in people’s pockets' in Budget despite admitting tough decisions to come

The oak, thought to be at least 400 years old, is hidden away in a Sitka spruce plantation in Lochaber, in the Scottish Highlands.

'Hidden' 400-year-old oak named after Scottish band is crowned tree of the year

Teri Garr, who starred in Tootsie, Young Frankenstein and Friends, dies aged 79

Teri Garr, who starred in Tootsie, Young Frankenstein and Friends, dies aged 79

Rachel Reeves is putting the final touches on her first budget tonight - and the stakes couldn't be higher.

Everything we know about the Budget so far and what it will mean for you

The minimum wage will rise to £12.21 an hour

Millions of workers to get pay rise as Chancellor announces minimum wage increase

A boy fell ill after Salisbury poisoning victim Sergei Skripal gave him bread to feed ducks

Boy fell ill after Salisbury poisoning victim gave him bread to feed ducks, inquiry hears

Hayley Butler

British dog groomer, 40, dies after gastric band surgery in Turkey - as heartbroken family pay tribute

The Portuguese club said United have 'expressed interest' in paying the release clause

Sporting say Man Utd willing to pay €10m release clause for manager Ruben Amorim

British Airways plane being loaded with luggage and meals.

British Airways leaves seasoned flyers fuming after scrapping three-course in-flight meals in 'cost-cutting' move

Jimmy Donaldson, YouTube name MrBeast (left), Rosanna Pansino (right)

YouTube megastars at war: MrBeast 'reported to FBI' by Rosanna Pansino over ‘disturbing’ leaked messages

The Zimbabwean claimed his removal would breach his Article Eight rights to a family life under the ECHR

Zimbabwean who was jailed for causing death allowed to live in UK under ECHR after discovering he had a child

Southport stabbing suspect charged with creating ricin and possession of Al Qaeda Training Manual

Southport stabbing suspect charged with creating ricin and possession of Al Qaeda training manual

Lambert looked to evade officers chasing him on foot by running into a lake and swimming to an island in the middle

Man who swam through lake to evade police capture jailed for aggravated burglary