Spa continues to back CEO and employee charged after fatal winter swimming accident

The Vesileppis spa in eastern Finland still has full confidence in its CEO and an employee charged with manslaughter after an 80-year-old winter swimmer drowned in December 2023, Yle reports.

Prosecutors allege the spa neglected safety protocols by using a water pump in the ice hole that created hazardous conditions for swimmers. The device, designed for keeping marina waters open, was operating against manufacturer instructions, which explicitly prohibit swimming when the pump is active. The accused deny any wrongdoing, claiming they followed all regulations.

The case is currently being heard in North Savo District Court. Prosecutors argue Vesileppis failed to assess risks or ensure customer safety, with multiple deficiencies found in the swimming area’s safety measures. The spa has since replaced the pump with a compressor, improved signage, and enhanced maintenance of walkways to prevent slipping.

Finland’s Safety and Chemicals Agency (Tukes) has deemed the new measures sufficient under consumer safety laws. The prosecution is seeking fines, the minimum penalty under sentencing guidelines.

Leppäkerttu Oy, the company operating Vesileppis, has not discussed the status of the accused employees, according to board chair Heikki S. Havukainen. “They have our full trust. They acted according to the rules,” Havukainen stated, adding that any reconsideration would only occur if the court delivers a guilty verdict.

The CEO, Esa Salmiheimo, has not commented publicly, with his lawyer indicating he will address the case only after the district court’s ruling.