MORETON-IN-MARSH, UK (10 Apr 2008) — — The parents of schoolboy swimmer Luke Jeffrey have won damages from the Cotswold club where he lost his life two years ago. Mum Melanie has won an out-of-court settlement from the Moreton and District Divers Club and the British Sub Aqua Club, to which it is affiliated. Fifteen-year-old Olympic hopeful Luke, from Blockley, died from a little-known syndrome, Shallow Water Blackout , as he trained at the club at the Fire Service College pool at Moreton-in-Marsh, on April 19, 2006. An inquest heard he pushed himself too hard and passed out under water. But his mother felt the club had not adhered to the rules - crucially the pool marshal had left her son unsupervised for the session's last 10 minutes. She brought her case under the Fatal Accidents Act. She said: "Luke did die of Shallow Water Blackout and it was an accident. "But it could have been avoided had there been a less casual approach to that night's diving and swimming. "And I brought the case because in my heart I didn't want anyone thinking Luke had been mucking about in the water. "It's not about getting justice but making people understand what really happened on that night. "Luke was still a minor and had no idea that swimming under water after exercising could kill him. "I made the claim on behalf of myself and Luke's dad Mark - despite the fact he is the club's chairman, we did it as Luke's parents. "I didn't want a court case but the club offered an out-of-court settlement which I accepted. "In my opinion it's an admission of responsibility." Melanie was represented by Bristol-based solicitors Thompsons, and the British Sub Aqua Club by DLA solicitors in Manchester. Tim Jones, of Thompsons, who represented Melanie, who was supported in her claim by the Fire Brigades Union, said: "This is a tragic case which highlights what can happen if an activity being carried out by a minor is not properly supervised. "Luke was a competent swimmer but this does not mean that the pool should have been left unsupervised." | BSAC and the Moreton and District Divers Club hae settled out of court in the tragic death of 15-year-old Luke Jeffrey, who loved swimming and scuba diving. Melanie and Mark now want to draw a line under the incident and to remember their son's fun-loving spirit. They are throwing a party to commemorate the two-year anniversary and raise more funds for the Luke Jeffrey Memorial Trust. Family and friends are invited to a disco with bar at St George's Hall, Blockley, from 8pm on April 19, with a £15 admission. The trust is on the brink of completing a DVD highlighting the risks of SWB to go to all UK primary schools and swimming clubs. A competitive swimming day is organised for October 25 and a mentoring scheme to encourage experienced swimmers to look after novices is also nearing fruition. A Moreton and District Divers Club spokesman said: "The club is pleased that this matter is now resolved after the tragic event." CDNN RELATED NEWSUK - BSAC teen scuba diver drowned in pool after shallow water blackoutUK - BSAC teen diver drowns during dive club sessionSCUBA FORUMDISCUSS THIS TOPIC - Dive in and have your say at Scuba Forum | 
