Tragic Drowning of Sisters at Watkin Pools

On a hot day in North Wales, two sisters, Hajra Zahid, 29, and Haleema Zahid, 25, tragically drowned while paddling fully clothed in the Watkin Pools, located along the Watkin Path leading to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon). The incident occurred when the sisters, who were students at the University of Chester and unable to swim, separated from their group for privacy and religious reasons, heading upstream to a pool on the Afon Cwm Llan river.

WalesOnline

The group of five, which included friends Luqman Zeb, Jawad Iqbal, and Hassan Khan, later called out for the sisters when they did not respond. Upon reaching the pools, they found the sisters' personal belongings but were unable to locate them initially. Hajra was discovered floating face down in the water, while Haleema was later retrieved by members of the Llanberis Mountain Rescue Team from deeper waters near a waterfall. Both women were pronounced dead at the scene.

WalesOnline

During the inquest, Assistant Coroner Sarah Riley stated that the sisters had intended to paddle in the water, noting the significant temperature difference between the hot day and the cold pools. She concluded that neither sister had entered the water with the intention of swimming, emphasizing that they were fully clothed and could not swim. It was suggested that one or both may have slipped on a dangerously slick rock at the edge of the pools, a hazard that also affected the rescuers.

WalesOnline

Detective Constable Gutun Lake from North Wales Police provided details about the group's activities leading up to the incident, including their visit to Llandudno before heading to Eryri National Park. Coroner Sarah Riley expressed her condolences to the families, describing the case as "extremely tragic" and urged the public to exercise caution around such natural water bodies.

WalesOnline

In light of this incident, Coroner Riley highlighted the dangers associated with entering cold water pools, particularly for individuals who are not strong swimmers. This serves as a reminder for the public to be aware of the risks involved in similar recreational activities.

WalesOnline

• "Having considered the evidence that neither could swim and that they were fully clothed, I am satisfied that neither sister went to swim or enter parts of the pool that would put them out of their depths in the water." — Sarah Riley, Assistant Coroner

WalesOnline

• "This is an extremely tragic case and my thoughts remain with them." — Sarah Riley, Assistant Coroner

WalesOnline

• "Hajra always placed herself at the centre of family life." — Hessham Minhas, Hajra's husband

WalesOnline

The tragic deaths of Hajra and Haleema Zahid underscore the importance of safety awareness in natural settings, particularly for those engaging in water-related activities.

WalesOnline