Wish You Were Here…Berwick Holiday Park

Picture postcards from Berwick Holiday Park in Northumberland...

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Set on a clifftop, with views overlooking the North Sea, Haven’s Berwick Holiday Park offers the ideal location for exploring the Northumberland coast.

There are two sandy beaches scattered with rock pools, which can be accessed via steps from the park, or guests can discover the rugged coastline via the coastal path.postcard1

Facilities at the park include a convenience shop and a recently refurbished restaurant and bar with a dedicated sports area. Other amenities include a multi-sports court, launderette and the Showbar, not forgetting the 18-hole golf course situated next to the park.

Berwick Holiday Park’s extensive water play facilities are a highlight for holidaymakers.

Facilities include an indoor heat swimming pool with a water chute, a heated outdoor pool and a dancing water play splash zone, which is open from May until the end of August.

Nearly 70 per cent of the caravans on the park are privately owned and owners can make use of their own lounge and health suite, themed parties and events and generous discounts in the shop, restaurant and on all activities.

Berwick Holiday Park - Tel. 0333 202 1463  www.haven.com

 

Weather-Proofing

Weather-Proofing

Hostages to fortune; a holiday park’s season can stand or fall on the vagaries of the great British summer. So weather-proofing our main attraction presents an obvious opportunity to take the lottery out of year-on-year visitor appeal.

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Ideal for overcoming unpredictable weather in all seasons, an enclosure over an outdoor pool not only provides the potential for year-round swimming but continually extends the swimming day.

Commercial swimming pool enclosures offer new opportunities and increased profitability to venues by extending the season, increasing throughput and reducing costs. The owners of Manor Farm Holiday Centre in Charmouth, Dorset, renovated their pool area and enlisted the expertise of Swimex Enclosures to cover the outside pool in time for the summer tourist season.

 

The design was fairly complex as one side of the lean-to building needed to rest on a high wall and the other on the pool deck, whilst remaining fully telescopic. Swimex came up with an affordable design answering the requirements, whilst working with valuable input from the clients on the best features available, including telescoping from the biggest bay in the centre rather than the smallest, a more conventional solution.

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The robust portal building with powder-coated aluminium frames and fully compliant polycarbonate roof and over 26m long and about 14m at its widest, was made to fit snugly at each end on rain-proof joints against both end walls, whilst the rear wall was used for the lean-to, leaving just the whole 26m front length facing the park.

The bespoke-built Swimex ‘Angular’ telescopic enclosure can be opened up, partially or fully, from the centre to leave a fully open pool for whenever the sun and weather permit. In other moments, the building creates an indoor pool, with air heating when needed.

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Splash Attack

While major swimming pool investment can sometimes be ruled out on the basis of budget, splash pads offer an attractive alternative. Pic: Ustigate Waterplay

While major swimming pool investment can sometimes be ruled out on the basis of budget, splash pads offer an attractive alternative. Pic: Ustigate Waterplay

Splash Attack

Holiday parks, leisure resorts and commercial facilities across the country are reaping the benefits of dedicated water play areas.
With the fun factor at the top of visitor wish lists, it is vital for pool operators to continuously not just meet but exceed demands for safe and fun aquatic play.
“Commercial facilities are always looking for the next best thing and the end users are always looking for that wow factor,” says Simon Smith of World Leisure.
“In our experience, venues that invest in their water play offering reap the rewards in terms of added revenue, as the facility becomes attractive to a wider audience.”
Ernie Hemming of Ustigate Waterplay agrees: “Without doubt, the effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests.”
“By using a range of colours, sensations of water and sleek designs, there won’t be any member of the family who will be able to resist taking a dip in the water play area.”

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex boasts an Aquadek, which has been created to add interactivity and a kid’s waterslide to the facility. Pic: World Leisure.

Lagan Valley LeisurePlex boasts an Aquadek, which has been created to add interactivity and a kid’s waterslide to the facility. Pic: World Leisure.

Ustigate Waterplay advises on a zero-level water play installation which prevents the buildup of water in the play area, therefore eliminating the need for a lifeguard and providing accessibility to all, including wheelchair users.
“We advise our clients on creating water play installations which caters for a range of age groups to increase its play value and popularity,” says Ernie.
“Carefully selected combinations and positioning of structures and features will attract the target audience to the relevant areas of the park, toddler, teen or family sections which will result into more visitors, because it is suitable for all of the family.” Ustigate specialise in splash pads and offer the full range of Vortex equipment which includes more than 140 different water play jets and above ground sprays. Not only do splash pads appeal to the kid in all of us, but they also tap today’s pressing issues of water conservation, parents’ heightened concerns for safety, the ongoing search for revenue and multipurpose usage.
In terms of cost, Ernie advises that the price of a typical splash pad depends mainly on three factors; size of the scheme, the type of water system and the selected water features. A typical once use system would usually cost between £50,000- £100,000 and a recirculating system would cost between £300,000- £500,000.
Although initial set up costs might be higher for implementing higher quality, robust systems – it will pay off in the long run.
“Once the scheme is up and running as you reduce the chances of future mechanical failings, which may lead to severe repair costs or potential closure of the water installation,” says Ernie.
He continues: “As with just about everything, the more you look after something the more it will look after you.”

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Making A Splash – Holiday Park Pool of the Year

Making A Splash - Holiday Park Pool of the Year

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Eight parks have been shortlisted for the Holiday Park Pool of the Year Award in the 2015 UK Pool & Spa Awards. Pic: Hoburne Holidays

Holiday parks across the UK have been singled out for their outstanding swimming pool facilities in the prestigious UK Pool & Spa Awards. Piran Meadows Resort and Hendra Holiday Park in Newquay, Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon, Hoburne Bashley in Hampshire and Holiday Resort Unity in Somerset, have all been named as finalists in the Holiday Park Pool of the Year category. They are joined by Craig Tara Holiday Park in Scotland and Bluestone National Park Resort and Talacre Beach Holiday Park in Wales. Sponsored by Heatsavr liquid pool cover from Brenntag, the Holiday Park Pool of the Year award is a new addition to the UK Pool & Spa Awards this year, which celebrate the achievements of the entire water leisure industry. The shortlisted parks will be awarded a gold, silver or bronze grading at the presentation evening on Monday November 23. The not-to-be missed event will be hosted at the brand new Vox Conference centre within Resorts World on the Birmingham NEC site. The event was a complete sell-out last year and is set to be even greater this year with a higher capacity venue and more opportunities to network with a host of pool and spa professionals.

For more information or to buy tickets visit www. ukpoolandspaawards.co.uk

Bluestone National Park Resort

BluestoneThe Blue Lagoon water park at Bluestone National Park Resort in Pembrokeshire is an all-weather, all-year destination for guests as well as day visitors. The aquatic park features a wave pool, flumes, lazy river, beach area and a spa pool with hydro jets. Opened in 2008, the Blue Lagoon caters for around 282,000 guests each year. The pool building is in the shape of a Welsh coracle and includes some the latest eco-friendly features. The pool is heated by an on-site biomass energy centre, which is thought to be the largest system of its kind in Wales. Two 26-ton, 800 kW boilers heat water through the burning of woodchip, and energy crops grown by local farmers. The process is considered carbon neutral because the carbon dioxide emitted is balanced by that which the crops absorbed during growth. Bluestone National Park Resort continuously invests in the Blue Lagoon water park. In the past 18 months the water park has seen a number of new areas incorporated into it, including a pirate’s ship, surf shack and other aspects including an area dedicated for the very young and toddlers.

Bluestone National Park Resort Tel. 01834 869900 www.bluestonewales.com

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Craig Tara Holiday Park

CraigBilled as the most successful pool in the history of Haven, the multi-level pool complex at Craig Tara Holiday Park was refurbished earlier this year. The refurbishment has allowed for an increase in activities the pool can offer and provides a better overall swimming experience. The refurbishment involved new floor finishes and mosaic tiling, as well as the addition of a new racing speed slide and lazy river ride. Other highlights of the pool complex include the water shooters and tipping bucket water tower, the interactive play channels and waterfall within the tiny tots pool, plus flumes, slides and viewing platforms. But most importantly Flip and Flop, and their penguin friends and family are having an amazing time around the pools, including parachuting from the sky! The pool has an annual bather load of approximately 210,000 and is open for swimming, kayaking, aqua gliders, aqua jets, pool parties, swimming lessons, turbo paddlers and water walkers.

Craig Tara Holiday Park Tel. 01292 265141 www.haven.com

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Hendra Holiday Park

HendraWith an annual bather load of 70,000 per year, the swimming pool facilities at Hendra Holiday Park are open to both residents and nonresidents and cater for school groups and clubs. Facilities include indoor and outdoor pools, flumes, slides, fountains and waterfalls. Energy efficiency upgrades in 2014 included a UV water treatment system, PAC treatment, new pool water heating scheme incorporating biomass supply, district heating scheme and thermal buffer tanks to minimise heat loss. Bespoke control systems enhance the effectiveness of new systems and precisely manage pool water temperatures. The pools are managed by a team of 30 staff, headed up by pool manager Petra Van Splunter. Petra stepped up to the role three years ago and has control over the facility, both technically and operationally. Dedicated to in-depth and thorough training of her staff, Petra ensures that the facility is kept immaculate and takes pride in delivering exceptional care to guests.

Hendra Holiday Park Tel. 01637 875778 www.hendra-holidays.com

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Hoburne Bashley

HoburneThere is something for everyone at the pool at Hoburne Bashley Holiday Park in Hampshire; more space for those who want to swim and plenty of room for play. Originally opened in 1987, the bather load at any one time is 80 and the pool welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors annually. The indoor pool was completely refurbished last year at a cost of £1.4 million. It was made larger at one end to give more room for swimming and an interactive wet play area for younger children was added at the side of the pool. A new, modern changing area was included, plus a gym overlooking the pool and a lift to enable easy access to and from the changing area, pool and gym. There are four permanent members of the water leisure team and 20 seasonal workers during peak season and eight out of season. They are supported by a dedicated pool manager, activities coordinator and two swimming teachers.

Hoburne Bashley Tel. 0844 288 2050 www.hoburne.com

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Holiday Resort Unity & Brean Leisure Park

BreanThe on-site pool is one of the main reasons that guests re-book Holiday Resort Unity and Brean Leisure Park for their family getaways year after year. The pool not only serves the guests, but also the local community. It provides splash play areas to entertain all age groups, as well as an impressive 25m pool, which is also home to local swim clubs and used by local schools. The park is dedicated to reinvesting in the facilities and has recently added a new indoor soft play area to the complex, with a Starbucks cafe and a pool shop. The annual bather load is 127,390 and the pool is open all year round for the local community, as well as park guests, which increases the amount of bathers year on year. Pool manager Jeff Smith ensures the smooth running of Brean Splash Leisure Centre and organises the workloads of all staff and assignments for lifeguards. He also oversees the daily maintenance of the pool, including making recommendations for repairs and capital improvement expenditures.

Holiday Resort Unity & Brean Leisure Park Tel. 01278 751235 www.hru.co.uk

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Ladram Bay Holiday Park

LadramRefurbished in two stages the new pool at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon has been a huge success since its completion, offering holiday makers and the general public a wider selection of facilities, the new pool is state-of-the-art. As well as the indoor heated pool the complex offers a sauna, steam room, whirlpool, gym and cafe - and all of this can be found right on the edge of the world famous Jurassic coast. The new pool has something to offer everyone; opening at 8am for an ‘Over 55’ swim guests can use the pool in a relaxed environment. With the addition of the interactive play area designed and installed by Hippo Leisure and Cresta Leisure, there’s plenty to keep the children entertained and the sauna and steam offer the perfect sense of relaxation. Swimming pool manager Lee Chapman heads up a team of 16 staff, who work together to maintain these facilities and offer a five star service to both the holiday makers and general public.

Ladram Bay Holiday Park Tel. 01395 568398 www.ladrambay.co.uk

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Piran Meadows Resort & Spa

PiranWith an annual bather load of up to 25,000 users each year, the swimming pool at Piran Meadows Resort & Spa in Newquay is used for a variety of activities, including general swimming, swimming lessons, lifeguard training, fitness classes, Water Walkerz, snorkelling, sea scooters and raft building sessions. The pool itself is deck level, and it remains at a very comfortable 30°c. The fitness classes, swim lessons and activities are available for both holiday makers and public, and the pool regularly hosts activity days for local groups such as schools and scouts from the local area. The pool also has a small splash area 0.45 m deep, with water jets, which is designed for younger children. Eleven staff members are involved in the day-to-day running of the pool, including leisure manager Jack Thompson, Go Active supervisor Vicky Bennett and Ashley Thomas who recently completed his PPO course and assists with the running and maintenance of the pool.

Piran Meadows Resort & Spa Tel. 01745 858010 www.darwinescapes.co.uk

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Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park

TalacreThe swimming pool at Talacre Beach Holiday Home Park in Flintshire was originally built in 1989 and has a bather load of 30,000 to 35,000 users each year. Based on a tropical theme, the indoor pool evolved from what was originally an outdoor pool. In keeping with the theme, a number of tropical plants surround the pool and the white resin floor is designed to look like sand. The pool underwent a number of upgrades last year, which focused on improving the energy efficiency of the pool. A new fully insulated roof was installed, as well as energy efficient lighting and new air ducting, which moves the air around more efficiently. The pool is managed by a 12-strong team, including the leisure manager Karen Frost and swimming instructor Anna Lee.

Talacre Beach Holiday Park Tel. 01745 858000 www.darwinescapes.co.uk

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Winners will be announced on Monday 23rd November at the UK Pool & Spa Awards Presentation Evening.

If you would like to get involved in next years awards please get in touch with the team today.

 

 

 

Top Athlete Unveils Park Upgrades

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International athlete Jo Pavey helped Ladram Bay celebrate its landmark re-development.

Top Athlete Unveils Park Upgrades

Holidaymakers at Ladram Bay Holiday Park in Devon are benefitting from a major refurbishment of the swimming pool complex, adventure golf and restaurant.

More than £2million has been invested to upgrade the facilities, which were officially unveiled by top athlete Jo Pavey MBE, a regular visitor to the park.

“I’m sure holidaymakers and day visitors alike will love the changes,” said Jo.

“I’ve already tested out the pool with my daughter – she loved it, especially the interactive zone. It’s a great place to come and relax with your family.”

Upgrades at Ladram Bay include the swimming pool complex, which was completed by Dorset-based Cresta Leisure and features a main pool, interactive children’s zone with slides, fountains, splash tower, water troughs and interactive activity wall.

The on-going investment programme has seen more state-of-the- art accommodation options added, including holiday homes and luxury lodges with decking and hot tubs.

 

Balancing Act

Balancing Act

Michael Littlewood shares the benefits of the natural swimming pool system.…

Children can enjoy playing in natural water – and their parents need have no anxieties about chemicals.

Children can enjoy playing in natural water – and their parents need have no anxieties about chemicals.

At a time when people are increasingly concerned about their health, anxious to avoid exposure to chemicals, keen to help preserve wildlife and the environment, and inspired by more holistic ways of living, natural swimming pool offers the perfect fit.

As well as offering a new and inspirational experience, the natural system has practical and financial benefits for pool operators. Build costs for a natural pool are comparable to those for a conventional pool, and the conversion of an existing pool is also possible.

Maintenance costs are far lower, as a natural pool’s biological cleaning processes do away with the need for chemicals, frequent water changes and much of the work of maintenance. There are huge savings on water, as natural pools do not need to be emptied every year. Energy costs are much lower, as the natural system is not compatible with conventional pool heating. It relies instead on the heat of the sun and the circulation of the water from the shallower regeneration zone to raise the water temperature.

Because natural pools are aquatic gardens as well as places to swim, they can be developed as all-year-round leisure facilities, offering guests a place to walk, relax, socialise and enjoy nature even when the British weather does not encourage outdoor swimming. Natural pools are also of huge benefit to the environment; in addition to not using chemicals and saving on water, they are valuable wildlife habitats, offering a haven for a whole range of species threatened by the loss of wetland habitats in the countryside. People and frogs do not swim side by side, however; wild creatures stay mostly in the regeneration zone, which provides them with both food and shelter.

Natural swimming pools were originally developed in Austria, where the health and wellness benefits of bathing in natural waters in the country’s spa towns were widely recognised. In 1985, the first commercial models were created by the Austrian company Biotop, whose founder Peter Petrich came up with the idea of a self-cleaning biosystem for swimming pools. Other manufacturers, including Bioteich of Switzerland and BioNova of Germany, soon followed. I introduced natural swimming pools to the UK in 2000, and there are now many privately owned natural pools in this country. The UK’s first commercial natural pool opened in 2006 at a spa in the Cotswolds. In Europe, there are already hundreds of public natural pools, and advocates of the natural system are keen to share its benefits with local authorities and the leisure industry in this country.

Super Heroes

Super Heroes

Cost-effective energy efficiency and prudent housekeeping will maximise return on investment when it comes to swimming pools.

Cost-effective energy efficiency and prudent housekeeping will maximise return on investment when it comes to swimming pools.

A popular swimming pool is a must for the modern holiday park; number one for its undoubted pulling power in attracting and retaining visitors year on year.

On the flip side, the average holiday park swimming pool can present a huge drain on business resources both through upkeep and running costs as well as staffing overheads.

Operators find themselves under more pressure than ever to demonstrate effective energy efficiency and prudent housekeeping to maximise return on investment when it comes to swimming pools.

“Most people are now opting for energy efficient pools, more so than ever before,” comments Tim Bareham of Cresta Leisure. “It is partly down to an increase in environmental awareness generally, as well as the rise in energy prices, and of course the allure of cost savings that can be achieved over time.”

Tim adds: “Although energy efficient methods are generally more expensive to install, the benefits are huge. You’ve got to speculate to accumulate.”

Deer Park Golf and Country club in West Lothian, Scotland has enjoyed a 25% reduction in gas and electricity usage in their swimming pool following the installation of Heatsavr.

Deer Park Golf and Country club in West Lothian, Scotland has enjoyed a 25% reduction in gas and electricity usage in their swimming pool following the installation of Heatsavr.

Going ‘green’ is not only helpful in protecting the environment, but it can also translate into cost savings. If it were a superhero then Brenntag’s Heatsavr would have powers akin to the Invisible Man. The Heatsavr is a liquid pool cover that works by forming an invisible monolayer over the surface of the pool, preventing heat and moisture from escaping while the surface is unbroken. There are many other associated benefits that come with having a pool cover. Stopping evaporation also directly effects the quantity of chemicals used to maintain hygienic water conditions. By reducing evaporation you are also reducing the quantity of chemicals normally lost through evaporation. Having a pool cover also reduces the amount of contamination that enters the pool through the water surface, this will also have a direct effect on the rate of chemical consumption.

Deer Park Golf and Country club in West Lothian, Scotland had Heatsavr installed as part of an upgrade that also saw them have new boilers fitted. The work that was carried out saw a 25 per cent reduction in gas and electricity usage since the work was undertaken in August 2013. The country club had previously used a traditional pool cover, but it was ill-fitting because their pool is oval shaped. That meant that heat and moisture were still able to escape, as the cover was only partially effective. Heatsavr liquid pool cover reduces evaporation not only at night but also during the day when bathers are present in the water.

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Pool Cover Cost Savings

Pool Cover Cost Savings

Hoburne Holiday Parks has saved thousands of pounds on its gas bills, following the introduction of Heatsavr liquid pool cover in the indoor pool at its site in Torbay.

Hoburne Holiday Parks has saved thousands of pounds on its gas bills, following the introduction of Heatsavr liquid pool cover in the indoor pool at its site in Torbay.

Evaporation control within the pool hall remains a challenge for many pool operators. While a pool cover will insulate your pool to a degree, it is the slowdown in evaporation that is key to saving money.

It is estimated that a pool running at 55% humidity with a pool temperature of 30C and an air temperature of 31C will lose approximately 2 cubic metres of water per day with no cover in place.

Heatsavr biodegrades naturally into water and carbon dioxide within 72 hours and can be added to any type of pool. Using Heatsavr will not stop evaporation, but it will certainly slow the rate of evaporation, working in conjunction with an effective dehumidification and ventilation system.

“One of our clients has been closely monitoring their water top up following a Heatsavr installation and reports that they are now saving 20m3 of water per month,” reveals Peter Marshall of Brenntag.

“The first obvious saving relates to the water top up required and not only in the cost of the additional water but more so in the energy required to raise the temperature of the incoming water to that of the pool.”

Brenntag
Tel. 01133 879200
www.heatsavr.co.uk

 

Splash Landings

The effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests. Pic: Ustigate Waterplay

Above: The effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests.
Pic: Ustigate Waterplay

Splash Landings

With the fun factor at the top of visitor wish lists, it is vital for holiday parks operators to continuously not just meet but exceed expectations for safe and fun aquatic play.

While major swimming pool investment can sometimes be ruled out on the basis of budget, splash pads and water play areas offer an attractive value for money alternative. From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family entertained for hours.

“When families are selecting a holiday park more often than not the on-site facilities on offer will be a major factor, second only to location with an on-site pool being one of the most popular draws,” comments Matt Clark of Country Leisure Fibreglass.

“However these days swimming alone is not enough to keep kids entertained for long. Slides, flumes and an assortment of water features not only liven up the pool environment but keep children occupied for longer and wanting to return again.”

Ernie Hemming of Ustigate Waterplay agrees: “Without doubt, the effective selection, combination and positioning of aquatic play features can be a key tool in attracting and retaining guests. “By using a range of colours, sensations of water and sleek designs, there won’t be any member of the family who will be able to resist taking a dip in the water play area.”

From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family entertained for hours. Pic: Certikin.

Above: From aquaslides and speed tubes to splash pads, interactive fountains and water jets, water play areas will keep the whole family
entertained for hours. Pic: Certikin.

Ustigate Waterplay advises on a zero-level water play installation which prevents the buildup of water in the play area, therefore eliminating the need for a lifeguard and providing accessibility to all, including wheelchair users. The company’s product index consists of over 300 standard aquatic structures containing items designed to meet all specifications and budgets.

“We advise our clients on creating water play installations which caters for a range of age groups to increase its play value and popularity,” says Ernie. “Carefully selected combinations and positioning of structures and features will attract the target audience to the relevant areas of the park, toddler, teen or family sections which will result into more visitors, because it is suitable for all of the family.”

Ustigate specialises in splash pads and offer the full range of Vortex equipment which includes more than 140 different water play jets and above ground sprays. Not only do splash pads appeal to the kid in all of us, but they also tap today’s pressing issues of water conservation, parents’ heightened concerns for safety, the ongoing search for revenue and multipurpose usage.

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CERTIKIN INTERNATIONAL
Tel. +44 (0)1993 778855
www.certikin.co.uk

COUNTRY LEISURE FIBREGLASS
Tel. +44 (0)1980 629555
www.countryleisure.co.uk

USTIGATE WATERPLAY
Tel. +44 (0)1322 424445
www.ustigatewaterplay.co.uk

AQUA DROLICS
Tel. +31 499 393 540
www.aquadrolics.com

 

Chemical Leak At Haven Park

A chemical leak at Wild Duck Holiday Park near Great Yarmouth led to around 40 people needing treatment for breathing difficulties.

A chemical leak at Wild Duck Holiday Park near Great Yarmouth led to around 40 people needing treatment for breathing difficulties.

Chemical Leak At Haven Park

Almost 40 people were treated by paramedics following a chemical leak at a Haven holiday park swimming pool.
Emergency services, including police, fire and ambulance crews, were called to Wild Duck Holiday Park in Belton near Great Yarmouth in Norfolk.
Norfolk Fire Service said vehicles including an environmental protection unit dealt with a chlorine leak. The immediate area was evacuated and a 20 metre cordon was put in place.
Casualties were taken to three local hospitals to be treated for breathing difficulties.
Superintendent Roger Wiltshire of Norfolk Constabulary said: "The incident was quickly contained and the site has now been declared safe by Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service. The casualties have now been transferred to hospital to be treated and there is no further risk to those staying on the site or to anyone living locally.”