THE owners of a lodge in Ndola where a female grade nine pupil drowned last weekend have defended their safety record and described the incident as unfortunate.

Kambeba Lodge spokesperson, Michael Ngosa said management had put in place sufficient measures to ensure the safety of swimmers at all times.

Mr Ngosa said in an interview yesterday that the lodge had life saving jackets and life savers who were always present at the swimming pool area where 21-year-old Elizabeth Nalwiza died on Saturday.

Ndola District police chief, Bonny Kapeso said on Sunday that police were investigating circumstances in which Ms Nalwiza of Kabushi Township drowned at the lodge which was believed to have no life savers.

Mr Kapeso also said the incident which happened on Saturday around 13:00 hours was not reported to the police until the following morning.

But Mr Ngosa said a life saver did all he could to help the deceased from drowning although he did not manage to do so.

"It just happened so fast, the life saver quickly went to her rescue when she was drowning and the whole incident happened within three minutes," he said.

He said Ms Nalwiza was a regular visitor to the swimming pool at the lodge and did not need a life saving jacket.

He said when she started drowning, the life saver jumped into the water and brought her out within three minutes.

She was rushed to Ndola Central Hospital but was pronounced dead there.

Mr Ngosa said he reported the incident to the police at the hospital when he arrived around 13:30 hours.

Ms Nalwiza was put to rest yesterday and Mr Kapeso said investigations were continuing although there were no fresh developments.