There was a serious health scare in a popular water park in Drogheda recently. It is understood that 12 people, including children, had to be taken to hospital after they had an allergic reaction to the chlorine in a swimming pool at the park.
According to reports management at the Drogheda water park were alerted to the incident after a number of people discovered there was a strong smell of chlorine in the pool. However after a number of system checks staff “discovered the level of chlorine in the pool was within acceptable levels.”
Although around a dozen people said they had experienced health problems after being in the pool. One visitor at the park Declan Dunne from Skerries, told reporters that he and his three children along with their two cousins, aged between five and 13 years, visited the park on Friday afternoon, and one of the children an 11-year-old boy, had to be taken to Temple Street Children’s Hospital after he suffered severe inflammation of his larynx.
Mr Dunne explained: “I saw a lifeguard come into the water park. He covered his mouth and nose with a T-shirt and began to open windows and doors. It was just after 1pm. “A few minutes later I saw another staff member help an adult customer who had vomit on him from a child. Then my five-year-old son began complaining of sore eyes and wanting to get out.”
Meanwhile Funtasia Water park have since released a statement explaining the health scare, saying: “There was a very strong smell of chlorine in the swimming pool of the complex on Friday, April 1. System checks showed that the level of chlorine in the pool was within acceptable levels, however some of those present experienced symptoms such as nausea, coughing, watering eyes and running noses. “The pool area was cleared of customers as soon as possible and subsequently closed. A full recalibration of the pool system is under way and the pool will remain closed until this is complete. If anyone experienced symptoms it is advised they seek medical advice.
“Customers can talk to the venue team directly at (041) 9898 000 or send an email to [email protected].”