Man in China dies after breaking neck diving into shallow pool while lifeguards mistake him for playing
A 36-year-old man in Ningbo, China, died after diving headfirst into a shallow swimming pool and breaking his neck, while lifeguards failed to respond for over 16 minutes, mistaking him for playing with his daughter.
- 36-year-old father in Ningbo dies after diving into a 1.1m-deep pool and breaking his neck.
- Lifeguards failed to act for over 16 minutes, thinking he was playing with his daughter.
- Family plans to sue gymnasium for negligence; public condemns delayed response.
NINGBO, CHINA — A 36-year-old man died after diving headfirst into a shallow swimming pool and breaking his neck, while lifeguards reportedly failed to respond for more than 16 minutes, mistaking him for playing with his young daughter.
Tragic accident caught on CCTV
The incident occurred on 18 October 2025 at an indoor swimming pool in Ningbo. The victim, Mr. Hu, was demonstrating a diving technique to his seven-year-old daughter when he jumped into the pool — unaware it was only 1.1 metres deep.
Upon impact, Hu struck his head on the pool floor, suffering a fractured cervical vertebra. CCTV footage showed him floating face down and motionless shortly after the dive. His daughter tried desperately to pull him up but could not lift him.
Despite her efforts, none of the three lifeguards on duty intervened. One reportedly walked over, saw no movement, and assumed Hu was “just playing” with his child.
Lifeguards’ delay and aftermath
Hu remained submerged for about 16 minutes before anyone realised something was wrong. He was eventually pulled from the water and rushed to hospital, where he was placed in intensive care.
After five days of treatment, Hu succumbed to his injuries.
Under China’s swimming pool management regulations, lifeguards are required to patrol the pool every 15 minutes and respond immediately to any suspicious or abnormal behaviour in the water.
Legal action and public reaction
Hu’s family announced plans to sue the gymnasium operating the pool, citing gross negligence and failure to perform lifesaving duties. The gym’s management has defended itself, saying warning signs were clearly displayed around the pool, cautioning against diving into shallow water.
The incident has sparked outrage online, with many questioning how three trained lifeguards failed to recognise an emergency unfolding right before them.
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