Concerns raised over new rules brought in at paddling pool
NEW rules have been put in place at a much-loved paddling pool.
Butcher’s Pool, or the ankle wash, as it is affectionately known in Ynysybwl, has proved a popular attraction for families – especially during the summer holidays.
It’s been a significant feature in the small village to grandparents, parents and children over the past 50 years.
But now adults attending will have to follow new rules – which some claim has forced some parents to leave and spark concerns it could also prevent large families or single parents from going.
The new rules mean that for every child aged under five, there must be one adult; for children aged five to seven, there should be one adult to three children and for over-eights no supervision is required.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) council has insisted the change was because of safety reasons and said it has no plans to close it down.
However, volunteers from the Friends of Butcher’s Pool group, which runs the attraction, are far from happy.
Lead volunteer Clive Thomas said: “During this last week, RCT have enforced several new rules for the Friends of Butcher’s pool to adhere to with no prior discussion, which many of the parents find frustrating and impracticable.
“These rules are usually enforced in swimming pools, not paddling pools.
“Consequently, around 80% of all families are being excluded from the pool.
“While everyone understands that health and safety rules need to be applied so does common sense.”
According to the volunteers who run the pool, the land was gifted to the community by a family known as the Edwards family in 1968.
This enabled the local authority to build a pool, which at its deepest is 50cm.
The council closed the pool in 2014 amid a cost cutting measures.
However, it was saved by the Friends of Butcher’s Pool, which took it over.
Mr Thomas said. “Parents and children have left the paddling pool after being told by RCT lifeguards that parents are unable to supervise their children due to a number constraints.
“It’s upsetting and disappointing. Parents are furious with RCT for what they see as intransigence.”
He also explained the Friends of Butcher’s Pool volunteers had always followed council standards.
He said, back in 2017, a change in operational standards saw the council demand that two lifeguards to work be based at the pool.
And volunteers also had to gain a lifeguard qualification as well as be first aid trained.
Eventually a compromise was made – with the council funding one lifeguard and the community council funding the other.
Discussing the position of the volunteers, Mr Thomas said: “This final changing of the goal posts has tested their resilience and good will to the limit.
“Many volunteers are deeply frustrated by these demands.
“They have begun to question their position, which could result in the pool shutting forever.”
But RCT council insisted the new rules are in keeping with other pools across Wales and aiming at keeping people safe.
A spokesman said: “The council can categorically confirm it has no intention of closing Butcher’s Pool in Ynysybwl and is, in fact, providing full-time lifeguard cover for the duration of opening hours throughout the summer as part of a package of support that we provide to assist the voluntary paddling pool groups throughout the county.
“As has been the case for a number of years, the council is continuing to adhere to national guidelines and regulations issued by the Royal Life Saving Society with regard to the child/adult ratio in the water.
“These guidelines are used by the majority of other local authorities as the basis for their own safety policies for swimming and paddling pools, and are irrespective of depth.
“Child safety in the water is the council’s paramount concern at all times, and new signage and guidelines will be displayed at Butcher’s Pool to raise awareness and offer guidance and advice to parents and families.”