Mum calls for more outdoor swimming pools after boy, 11, drowns in in River Don
“It’s heartbreaking”
A South Yorkshire mum-of-two is calling for more outdoor swimming pool for families to use in hot weather after the “heartbreaking” death of 11-year-old Mackenzie Swift in Mexborough.
Amy Haughian, aged 31, wrote to the Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones, to propose an outdoor pool be built at the Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, hoping it would reduce the risk and temptation for young people to enter open water.
Living in Conisbrough with her young family, with two children aged 10 and seven, Amy worries that there is “not much to do” for youngsters in the area.
Mackenzie Swift tragically died after entering the River Don in Mexborough on May 30, 2026. His passing sent shockwaves through the local community.
“I think as a parent… you never want to be in that situation,” Amy said.
“It’s heartbreaking,” she added.
Amy pointed out that there were only around 160 lidos or outdoor swimming pools in the UK, compared to endless open water spots and the sea surrounding the British Isles.
She said she believes investment in outdoor pool and swimming facilities could reduce the number of children tragically dying in lakes, reservoirs and rivers across the country.
She said: “We’re asking for support from communities. It’s not something that will just benefit us.
“The next step is for more people to reach out to the council and get behind ideas like this – anything for kids to do in the warm weather.
“I think managing any kind of risk is worth it.”
Residents believed outdoor water facilities would come to The Dome leisure centre when it reopened in May 2026, after a £15m refurbishment.
However, users of the centre said it appeared very little had changed after the investment, with outdoor water facilities, which had been posted online by Mayor Jones, quietly dropped before the work commenced.
Asked about calls for more outdoor swimming facilities in Doncaster, Rachael Leslie , City of Doncaster Council’s Director of Public Health said: “ Firstly, I would like to extend our condolences to the family and friends of Mackenzie Swift and our thoughts are with all of those affected by this tragedy.
“Following the incident, and other incidents across South Yorkshire, we have received a number of thoughtful and constructive suggestions about possible additional measures regarding water safety in Doncaster and we appreciate this.
“We are working with relevant agencies including South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue, the Canals and Rivers Trust, the Environment Agency, and local organisations to look collectively at what can be done to help reduce such incidents.
“Currently, Doncaster does have an outdoor natural lake pool in Hatfield which provides safe outdoor swimming sessions. However, all correspondence and suggestions that we have received will be considered by the relevant council services and partner agencies.”