Sisters Drown at Viral Snowdonia Swimming Spot Promoted on Social Media
Two sisters tragically drowned while paddling fully clothed at a viral wild swimming location in Snowdonia, which is often promoted on social media by travel influencers, an inquest has concluded. Mother-of-two Hajra Zahid, aged 29, and her younger sister Haleema Zahid, 25, accidentally lost their lives on June 11, 2025, after mistakenly entering the deep sections of a mountain pool.
Details of the Tragic Incident
Assistant coroner Sarah Riley delivered the findings at Caernarfon, stating that the Pakistani-born women had travelled approximately 70 miles with a group of friends to visit Watkin Pools at Nant Gwynant, Snowdon. The sisters, who had moved to the United Kingdom just four months prior to begin master's degrees in International Business at the University of Chester, were residing in Rotherham, South Yorkshire.
Upon arrival at the scenic spot, they decided to paddle in the pools during a warm evening, accompanied by three male friends. For privacy and religious reasons, the men entered a separate pool. When the male companions exited their pool to depart, they discovered Hajra floating face down in the water. Police officers who responded to the scene noted that she was floating on top of the water and her distinctive red dress was visible.
Haleema's body was recovered approximately ten minutes later. The area had no mobile phone signal, but the alarm was eventually raised, prompting responses from police and mountain rescue teams.
Social Media Influence and Safety Concerns
Elfyn Jones, a member of the Llanberis mountain rescue team, informed the inquest that Watkin Pools has become exceptionally popular due to frequent promotion on social media platforms. Assistant coroner Riley investigated how the tragedy unfolded, uncovering evidence suggesting the sisters could not swim and had only intended to paddle near the edges. It is believed they may have slipped further into the water than planned.
Riley emphasized, It's more likely than not that Haleema and Hajra didn't intend to swim. I find they intended to paddle in the water, their shoes being at the side of the pool. They were fully-clothed. She confirmed their deaths were accidental, stating, I am satisfied neither female intended to actually swim or enter the deep parts of the water.
In her concluding remarks, Riley extended sincere condolences to the friends and family of the sisters, describing the case as extremely tragic. She also issued a public reminder: Wild swimming in pools can be dangerous. I would urge caution to any member of the public intending to do so in the future.
Tributes and Legacy
Pathologist Dr Muhammad Zain Mehdi conducted post-mortem examinations, confirming drowning as the cause of death. Tributes poured in for the sisters, highlighting their positive impact. A former colleague from a telecommunications company in Islamabad, Pakistan, remembered Haleema as an exceptionally compassionate, hardworking and kind individual.
Another former colleague, Sheharyar Shahnawaz, described Haleema as an amazing lady, very lively and energetic, someone you would want in your life. He added that she had become a pillar of her family following her father's death and was really excited for this new chapter before departing for Britain.
The University of Chester released a statement acknowledging that the women touched the lives of many since commencing their master's degrees. This incident underscores the potential dangers of wild swimming, particularly at locations glamorized through social media, and serves as a somber reminder of the importance of water safety awareness.
