Four-year-old child dies in beach bar pool in Paros

A four-year-old boy died on the afternoon of Saturday, August 8, 2026, after being found unconscious in a swimming pool at a beach bar on the island of Paros. Two women at the scene initially spotted the child in the water, prompting a bartender to jump in and pull the boy out. Despite immediate resuscitation efforts by bystanders, a doctor on-site, and subsequent medical attention at a local health center, the child could not be saved.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the circumstances of the incident, specifically focusing on the lack of a lifeguard on duty, despite the business naming the owner as the official lifeguard. The parents of the child and the owner of the beach bar were detained and charged with negligent homicide but were subsequently released as the investigation continues.

Following the tragedy, the beach bar issued a formal statement expressing condolences to the family and announced it would remain closed on August 9 as a sign of mourning. Police continue to gather testimonies and evidence to determine why the child was not under proper supervision when the drowning occurred.