Gardaí arrest swim coach on suspicion of filming children
A SWIMMING coach has been arrested as part of an investigation into the alleged secret recording of children in changing rooms.
Allegations first came to light in February after a number of complaints were made to Swim Ireland, which says it immediately got in contact with gardaí.
It is understood that recording devices may have been placed in the changing rooms used by children before and after their swimming lessons at a pool.
A man in his 30s was arrested on Tuesday as part of the Garda investigation into the matter.
A Garda spokesman said the man was questioned on suspicion of alleged offences contrary to the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act.
He was later released without charge from a Dublin Garda station and a file is being prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.
‘As this is an ongoing criminal investigation An Garda Síochána has no further comment,’ added the spokesman.
When the claims were made by a member of the swimming pool, the
‘Matter is being investigated’
instructor was suspended pending an investigation.
It has been reported that the concerns relate to a video camera or cameras being covertly placed inside the changing area. The male arrested regularly coached underage boys and girls how to swim.
A number of children and their parents were interviewed by gardaí before an arrest was made.
In a statement yesterday, Swim Ireland said the matter was raised earlier this year with its national children’s officer, who, in line with its procedures, contacted the statutory authorities straight away.
‘The matter is now being investigated by gardaí, and a coach has been suspended,’ the statement said. ‘Our priority is to offer appropriate support to those involved and to co-operate with the Garda investigation.
‘As we understand it this is not a matter that has previously been raised with the gardaí and our national children’s officer continues to liaise closely with them.’
The alleged offences can carry a sentence of up to ten years in jail.