Spa knew ice pump was dangerous but shifted responsibility to customers, woman died in ice hole

Finnish safety authorities have accused a spa in Leppävirta of failing to address serious safety flaws at its winter swimming site after a woman drowned in December 2023, according to a report by national broadcaster Yle.

The Finnish Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) found that Vesileppis spa was aware of the risks posed by a powerful ice-prevention pump but failed to take adequate action, instead placing responsibility on customers to turn off the device. The pump, designed for keeping boat harbours ice-free, created a strong current that prevented a retired woman from escaping the ice hole.

Two individuals—spa CEO Esa Pekka Salmiheimo and an employee—now face charges of manslaughter and health violations in North Savo District Court. Both deny wrongdoing, claiming swimmers had been instructed to switch off the pump.

Tukes’ investigation, completed in March 2024, revealed that warning signs were insufficient to mitigate the hazard. The pump’s placement directed the current away from the stairs, forcing swimmers to battle a strong flow over a long distance to exit. Rescue divers later found the woman trapped beneath the ice near the hole’s edge.

A test swim by North Savo Rescue Services confirmed the current’s strength: even a trained rescuer in a flotation suit struggled to return to the stairs. The unmarked hole and thinned surrounding ice also posed risks to others on the lake.

Following the incident, Vesileppis replaced the pump, marked the swimming area, and improved path maintenance. Tukes deemed these measures sufficient under consumer safety laws.