Kempele closes Kalliomonttu diving tower after child drowns

Kempele has closed the diving tower at Kalliomonttu beach indefinitely following the drowning of a child under 15 on Saturday, Yle reports.

Municipal manager Tuomas Lohi confirmed the decision by text message and expressed condolences to the child’s family on behalf of the municipality and himself.

“A child’s drowning is a shocking tragedy for the family and loved ones. Such an incident affects the entire community,” Lohi wrote.

The tower was closed immediately after the accident. Authorities are now considering permanently removing the structure and exploring other ways to improve safety at the site, which is one of Kempele’s two official beaches.

Last summer, an adult man drowned after jumping from the same tower. Police are investigating Saturday’s incident as a death inquiry.

Lohi noted that the Ouluntulli beach is a popular swimming spot, with the municipality providing signage and rescue equipment.