Scout leader made a very dodgy remark... should I report him?

[MiniPharm]

My DD went on a 2-night scout camp at the weekend. Part of the weekend was swimming at our local leisure centre.

She told me that, on the way to swimming, the Scout leader was telling them all how to behave (fine). Then he said to the only Black kid scout, to 'make sure he had a long shower after swimming because otherwise he might end up looking like a ghost'.

I asked my DD if he meant it as a joke but she's sure he didn't. The kid just looked confused, apparently

Was he out of order? Racist? I think he was but I need to know if IABU and should I say anything...?

I don't think I understand the comment at all. So I'm not sure what you'd actually report?
(Apologies if I'm being really stupid re the joke thing)

Yes that's seriously off. Is he implying the chlorine in the water might bleach the black child's skin? It doesn't even make sense.

If it was a joke I'm not sure it makes much sense?

Ah! If that's right Storminateacup then I now understand the implied "joke".

That's totally not on.

Woah! Inappropriate!

I was going to say surely a white child bleached would be more ghosty but even that sounds a bit off.

I think the implication was that his black skin would wash white.

Yes exactly but was definitely a reference to chlorine (bleach) on darker skin.... no doubt. But was it innocuous??

I don't understand the joke .

Sorry,X post. It's awful if that's what was said.

Singling out the only black child in the group and making a remark about skin colour is certainly not okay.
The group should have a safeguarding officer (previously child protection) so it might be worth raising this with them?

Is there an actual risk of chlorine to black skin I'm unaware of

Of course chlorine in swimming pools doesn't bleach anyone's skin

I don't understand the joke ... if he's saying he will wash the 'colour' out of his skin surely that would mean he should only have a quick shower??

Not that I'm saying that would be funny because it's outrageous and terrible but I'm trying to understand what he actually meant...

Maybe he just said it generally and directed it to one of he kids and actually you are more racist making the connection. I dunno, just throwing that out there. I think you need more to go on than that. Maybe your DD didn't explain it right. My kids often don't know who said it to who. No wonder kid looked confused, I am too. Like others have said surely bleach on white skin is more ghostly?

Sorry just read about the chlorine.

Mmm it does make me go a bit chalky but that really should have been said to all the children and not just one child if he was trying to make a joke, I would probably raise it tbh.

Atsea you have a point, it may not have actually been directed at the black child but to all the children

Chlorine does actually dry a powdery white on black skin. It washes off though, and isnt obvious I just noticed it on back of hands.

I was thinking about putting my boy in scouts when he got older but FTS I wouldn't want my kid exposed to ignorance.

Xpost with stick yes chalky in places is what I meant.

if the Kid is SWIMMING... he meant make sure he showers long enough so he doesn't get cold ......

I'm not sure. If it doesn't make sense maybe we are missing the context and it isn't a racist or dodgy remark at all....

Do you know this leader, are they approachable?