Urgent UK holiday warning after ‘children get sick swimming at popular spot’
AN URGENT warning has been issued to parents after children became violently sick after swimming at a popular holiday spot.
A kids' party went horribly wrong after some of the poor guests were administered antibiotics for the shocking and sudden illness.
Paul Gill visited part of the River Medway at Teston Country Park in Maidstone with his family for the 14th birthday bash.
They innocently enjoyed kayaking and paddle boarding in the river, enjoying the chance to soak up some sunshine.
But, disaster struck the following day when the 72-year-old started to throw up uncontrollably.
The grandad, who lives in Eversley Park, Folkestone, told : “It was the most terrible night. I vomited at least a dozen times.
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“I have been swimming in that river forever and never had an issue but now after Saturday a bunch of us have felt unwell.”
A shocking six children and two teenagers, who also partied at the River Medway, experienced similar bouts of sickness.
Even by Tuesday, four days after the party, Paul confirmed some kids were still suffering and one had even been prescribed antibiotics.
More were on their way to the doctors, according to the 72-year-old.
“I’ve always loved the Medway. Unlike the Stour it has locks and no current making it more enjoyable for the children", the retired printer continued.
The Environment Agency is yet to respond to the concerned grandad about the incident.
He suggested water testing before summer weekends, when the river will be busier.
"I know they put out signs for blue-green algae but there hasn't been any for a while", he added.
George Ames visited the popular Kent spot with his family and a group of friends to cool off amid a heatwave.
"Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.
"If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast, ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service."
This comes as seven people, including four children drowned in just two weeks amid hot weather.
Teenager Abbie Walton, 15, tragically died at the River Etherow in Broadbottom, Greater Manchester, on June 14.
And a boy, 14, lost his life after first getting into trouble while swimming in Cumbria's River Eden on May 26.
His friend Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick, 15, died in the same incident.
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The five other victims of devastating drownings this month are:
- Erin Madden, 15, who drowned after getting into difficulty swimming at Carr Mill Dam in St Helens, Merseyside, on June 1;
- Freya Carley, 16, who was pulled from the ocean in Saltburn on the afternoon of June 4;
- A man who died after being pulled from river in Ayreshire on June 14;
- A woman in her 70s who died after swimming in River Avon near Evesham on June 14;
- Most recently, on June 18 a man died after entering Roath Lake, in Wales.
WATER WARNING
Top water safety tips from gov.uk
Don’t jump or dive in as the depth may vary and there can be unseen hazards.
Don’t go in near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices. These and some other water features are often linked with strong currents.
Inland waters can be very cold, no matter how warm the weather. Those going into cold water can get cramp and experience breathing difficulties very quickly.
Most importantly, parents and guardians can help keep children in their care safe by:
- Teaching them to swim
- Warning them not to go into water alone, or unsupervised
- Ensuring they know where the children are and what they are doing
- Supervising them closely when near any open water
Remember drowning can occur very quickly, even in shallow water, and the key to keeping safe is to take all necessary precautions to avoid getting into difficulty in the first place.