Story Highlight
– Paulette Crookes died from Legionnaires’ disease in 2020.
– Family concerns about the hot tub were initially dismissed.
– Coroner found maintenance records for the hot tub inadequate.
– Inquest confirmed infection sourced from hot tub usage.
– Family hopes for increased awareness of hot tub risks.
Full Story
The family of a woman who tragically succumbed to Legionnaires’ disease after using a hot tub at a holiday park has expressed relief following a recent inquest that confirmed their concerns over safety. Paulette Crookes, who hailed from Shanklin on the Isle of Wight, passed away in March 2020, just weeks after celebrating her 70th birthday with her family at Tapnell Farm Park in Yarmouth. The jury at the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Court determined that her death resulted from an infection acquired from the resort’s hot tub.
Denise Scott, Ms Crookes’ daughter, articulated the family’s long-held worries about the hot tub, stating that they felt vindicated by the inquest’s findings, which corroborated their initial suspicions about the water quality. “We were right all along,” Scott remarked, emphasizing the emotional weight of the verdict.
The family had gathered for a special birthday celebration at Dairyman’s Cottage, arranging the holiday to create cherished memories. Mrs Scott recalled how her mother, who had always been vibrant and outgoing, was excited to experience the resort’s offerings, including a zip wire and the hot tub—a facility they had anticipated would enhance their holiday joy. “She really loved it, and we were just looking forward to having fun together,” Mrs Scott reflected.
However, what began as a delightful getaway took a grim turn. On the second day, some family members, including Ms Crookes, began experiencing serious illness, marked by fever and rashes. Within a week of returning from their holiday, Ms Crookes had entered intensive care. “I thought her body is not going to recover unless she actually got some rest,” Mrs Scott recounted, explaining that doctors and family decided to place her in an induced coma to facilitate recovery.
As the family’s hopes shifted, the gravity of the situation became clear. Tragically, on March 8, following unsuccessful treatment efforts, the decision was made to withdraw life support. “It was awful as the family gathered to be by her side,” Scott said as she recounted the heart-wrenching moments leading to her mother’s passing.
The inquest revealed that Paulette Crookes had contracted Legionnaires’ disease—an infection of the lungs that can occur after inhaling contaminated water droplets, which, in this case, were linked to the hot tub. The jury noted significant shortcomings in the maintenance records related to the hot tub’s cleanliness at Tapnell Farm. The water treatment protocols in place were found to be inadequate, falling below the standards set by the UK’s Health and Safety Executive.
The investigation also highlighted the family’s prior communication with Tapnell Farm, in which they informed management of the illnesses affecting several family members just days after their visit. Despite this, it wasn’t until February 19 that Environmental Health officials were alerted, and even then, no Legionella was found in samples from the hot tubs linked to the Dairyman’s Cottage. The jury pointed out that the farm had multiple opportunities to rectify the sanitation issues before being contacted by health authorities.
In 2022, Mrs Scott disclosed that the family had been informed there was insufficient evidence to initiate legal action against Tapnell Farm, which subsequently received an informal reprimand for their mishandling of safety measures. “We felt deflated after that,” she remarked, detailing the emotional toll during the following years when they tried to move forward with their lives, though still grappling with their loss.
The inquest rekindled mixed emotions for the family, as Mrs Scott expressed her apprehension about being disappointed yet again by the judicial process. “We had been let down so many times before that we just didn’t want to get our hopes up,” she said, acknowledging the uncertainty they faced during the proceedings. However, when the jury announced their verdict—stating that Ms Crookes had died from pneumonia due to a Legionella pneumophila infection from the hot tub—Mrs Scott felt immense relief that her family’s truth had been validated.
“At the moment, all they’ve got is an informal written warning, carrying on with this big park, tourist attraction and we’re without our mum,” she lamented, emphasising her desire for more stringent consequences for the establishment and a greater awareness of hot tub health risks.
Tom Turney, the partner at Tapnell Farm, expressed condolences to the Crookes family, acknowledging the jury’s findings while reiterating the park’s commitment to prioritising the health and safety of its guests. “We acknowledge and respect the conclusion reached by the jury at the recent inquest,” he stated.
The incident highlights the potential dangers associated with communal hot tubs, often regarded as relaxing vacation amenities but which can pose serious health risks if not properly maintained. Mrs Scott urged individuals to remember these risks, asserting, “It is quite easy to jump in a hot tub and not think twice about it, but it is a very high-risk thing to do.”
As the family continues to mourn their loss, they remain hopeful that this tragic case will prompt necessary reforms and heightened safety measures across similar establishments, preventing future families from experiencing similar heartache.
Our Thoughts
The case involving Paulette Crookes’ death from Legionnaires’ disease associated with a hot tub at Tapnell Farm highlights significant lapses in health and safety protocols. Key lessons include the necessity of regular and thorough maintenance of water systems to prevent contamination. The hot tub’s maintenance records were noted as inconsistent and incomplete, breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which mandates maintaining safe work and leisure environments.
Furthermore, effective communication and prompt action are essential. The failure to notify Environmental Health in a timely manner after the family reported illnesses delayed necessary investigations. This reflects a breach of Regulation 5 of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013, which requires reporting certain incidents.
To prevent similar incidents, holiday parks should establish robust procedures for regular testing and maintenance of hot tubs, along with clear protocols for guest complaints about health issues. Enhanced training for staff on safety measures and timely reporting mechanisms can further mitigate risks associated with leisure facilities like hot tubs.
