Asked to leave swimming pool
Discussion
Anybody come across this before? Just spent a few days away at a holiday park with my wife and 14 month old, specifically chose a place with a kids swimming pool as the little nipper is obsessed with water. Went in the pool with my wife and son, we were both within arms length of him, within a few seconds a lifeguard comes over and asks me to leave as 'only one parent is allowed per child'.
I fear I know why this might be, but considering we were the only people in the kids pool (it's late November, UK holiday parks aren't exactly busy!) and we were both clearly with him, it left a very sour taste to say the least.
Presumably I can file this one under the same header as to why my local cinema won't allow adults without kids to a screening of Home Alone soon...even though Home Alone is probably most popular within the age group that were kids when it came out 25 years ago.
I fear I know why this might be, but considering we were the only people in the kids pool (it's late November, UK holiday parks aren't exactly busy!) and we were both clearly with him, it left a very sour taste to say the least.
Presumably I can file this one under the same header as to why my local cinema won't allow adults without kids to a screening of Home Alone soon...even though Home Alone is probably most popular within the age group that were kids when it came out 25 years ago.
They have loads of rules around supervision of kids (i.e. at least one adult per child under 6 etc) but nothing at all around more than one adult per child.
To be honest I was too shocked to do much about it, the walk of shame leaving the pool was bad enough and we left a little shocked. I've emailed the company so will see what they say.
I'm not complaining or moaning on here as such, just intrigued if this was fairly standard policy, it wouldn't surprise me given attitudes these days. At the time all they would say is that it's 'policy' and we never got any further than that.
To be honest I was too shocked to do much about it, the walk of shame leaving the pool was bad enough and we left a little shocked. I've emailed the company so will see what they say.
I'm not complaining or moaning on here as such, just intrigued if this was fairly standard policy, it wouldn't surprise me given attitudes these days. At the time all they would say is that it's 'policy' and we never got any further than that.
Edited by ukaskew on Sunday 29th November 21:00
Edited by ukaskew on Sunday 29th November 21:01
We asked at reception on the way out who confirmed the policy, didn't push it any further due to crying child wanting to go and eat.
I will update if/when I get a response, but as mentioned with the cinema policy I wouldn't be surprised if it was a genuine rule given companies misguided efforts to make kids safe these days.
I will update if/when I get a response, but as mentioned with the cinema policy I wouldn't be surprised if it was a genuine rule given companies misguided efforts to make kids safe these days.
MrBig said:
I think we will all be very interested to hear the response you get from the company in question.
After clarifying a few details by email it's been passed to management who 'may respond within 10 days'. I'll dig this thread up if I get a response...There is no way I'm going to the press etc, I'm super shy and unsociable as it is (which no doubt contributed to me not taking it further at the time), so escalating it certainly isn't in my interest (that said, I would love to know what the response would be if I posted this on something like Mumsnet)
Edited by ukaskew on Monday 30th November 14:19
Got an email...
The admission policy for the swimming pool which includes the separate Pirate Ship area was written following an extensive and detailed risk assessment process as required by HSG 179 Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools. Guidance from bodies such as the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management and the Royal Lifesaving Society was also considered and prior to the admissions policy being put into operation, the policy was reviewed and approved by specialist health and safety consultants.
Whereas we genuinely understand the disappointment you felt in this situation; we must emphasise how important it is for our staff to adhere to the admission policy at all times, even during periods where the area might be very quiet. Ultimately the policy is put in place with the safety of our patrons in mind which we are sure you can appreciate.
The admission policy for the swimming pool which includes the separate Pirate Ship area was written following an extensive and detailed risk assessment process as required by HSG 179 Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools. Guidance from bodies such as the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management and the Royal Lifesaving Society was also considered and prior to the admissions policy being put into operation, the policy was reviewed and approved by specialist health and safety consultants.
Whereas we genuinely understand the disappointment you felt in this situation; we must emphasise how important it is for our staff to adhere to the admission policy at all times, even during periods where the area might be very quiet. Ultimately the policy is put in place with the safety of our patrons in mind which we are sure you can appreciate.
I spelled out exactly what happened and asked why they had that rule in place, it couldn't have been clearer. Next up I'm contacting the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management to see what they think of it, as apparently the policy was drawn up in consultation with them.
Utterly bizarre.
Utterly bizarre.
Thanks Goaty Bill. I've ignored the comments regarding my lack of action at the time, as you say it's not helpful and it won't change my attitude in future, I'm just not wired that way, as annoying as it may be to some.
I will pursue it, but not for any gain and only to hopefully highlight the error of their ways to themselves.
I will pursue it, but not for any gain and only to hopefully highlight the error of their ways to themselves.
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