Girl in Intensive Care After Hair Gets Trapped in Hotel Pool Filter in Croatia

RABAC, CROATIA — A German girl remains in intensive care after her hair became trapped in a swimming pool filter at a Croatian hotel, leaving her unable to reach the surface. Family members and another hotel guest rushed to help before emergency responders arrived.

The incident happened shortly after 10 a.m. on Tuesday, October 20, at an indoor swimming pool in the coastal resort town of Rabac, according to Croatian media reports and local police.

Girl Trapped Underwater by Pool Filter

Police said the girl was swimming when she dived underwater and approached a wall-mounted pool filter located approximately three feet below the surface.

Her hair became caught in the filter, preventing her from resurfacing. She remained underwater for a period of time before a family member and another hotel guest intervened.

The rescuers pulled her free and began resuscitation efforts while waiting for emergency medical personnel to arrive.

Emergency responders subsequently treated the girl at the scene before she was airlifted to a hospital in Rijeka for further care.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed the child’s age or identity.

Hospital Confirms Girl Is in Stable Condition

The girl was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit at Rijeka Clinical Hospital Centre.

Dr. Kristina Lah Tomulić, the acting head of the hospital’s pediatric intensive care department, said the child’s condition was stable. Medical staff continued diagnostic examinations and treatment, but doctors said it was too early to provide a clear prognosis.

Her condition remained serious enough to require intensive care, and further information about any lasting effects had not been made public.

Hotel Expresses Concern

The incident occurred at an indoor pool within the Maslinica hotel resort in Rabac. Local reporting identified the hotel facility as part of the resort complex.

In a statement reported by Croatian media, the resort operator said it was deeply shaken by the accident and expressed sympathy for the girl and her family.

The company also said it had been in contact with the family and relevant authorities since the incident. It thanked those who helped the girl and the emergency personnel who responded.

Police Investigate Possible Safety Issues

Police in Labin are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, including how the girl’s hair became caught in the pool’s wall filter.

Authorities have not announced whether any safety regulations were breached or whether a mechanical fault contributed to the accident. Those questions remain part of the investigation.

The incident has renewed attention on the potential dangers posed by swimming pool suction systems. Pool filters and drains should be properly designed, maintained and protected to reduce the risk of swimmers becoming trapped.

For now, the focus remains on the girl’s recovery as medical teams continue treating her.

Sources: Jutarnji List: