A mum who rescued her daughter from drowning is demanding an inquiry into a leisure centre's safety procedures.

Seven-year-old Charlotte Ling was one of 30 guests at a children's birthday party at the pool at Corringham Leisure Centre when she found herself fighting for her life.

The non-swimmer slipped off a giant inflatable, allegedly unnoticed by lifeguards, and sank in deep water.

Luckily her mum, Angela, spotted what was going on and rushed to her rescue.

She claimed: "If I had not been there Charlotte would be dead. I pulled my daughter from the bottom of the pool. It was the worst experience of my life.''

Mrs Ling, of Nutberry Avenue, Grays, said she was appalled at the safety procedures at the party and wanted to warn other parents.

She added: "We've been to parties like this before and the children are usually separated into swimmers and non-swimmers and put into different areas of the pool.

"This time they were all put on a giant inflatable in the same pool regardless of whether or not they could swim, and none of them were offered arm bands.

"Only people wearing swimming costumes are normally allowed in the pool area. The only reason I was there was to ask staff for armbands for Charlotte.

"The arm bands were locked away and while someone went away to sort things out Charlotte fell in.

"The lifeguards were all on one side of the pool and could not see what was happening on the far side of the inflatable. They were totally unaware there was a child in trouble.

"The mother who organised the party has lodged a formal complaint about safety failings and I am asking for a full inquiry.

"I want to alert other parents as to what can happen at parties like these.''

Thurrock Council, which runs Corringham Leisure Centre, said it was taking the complaints very seriously.

Spokesman Martin Mallin said: "We are conducting an investigation and the mother will be part of that investigation.

"We will act on any recommendation or finding.''

Safe - Charlotte Ling gets a hug from mum Angela

Picture: DAVE HENDERSON

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