Putting up 6ft pool in public park - no garden

[itsgettingweird]

I really can't work out if I am or not!

I live in a street that's not quiet but not busy either. There is a public park that has loads of grass and a small play area and also lots if public open spaces.

Someone from flats adjacent to park has put up a 6ft swimming pool in the park. It's close to the play equipment meaning parents can't sit on bench by swings when their children play due to SD.

It's unsupervised and currently about 6 local kids in it (not sure if owner of pools kids or just locals or mixture of both)
It's not the mixing that concerns me.

But AIBU to think this isn't safe anyway but you really shouldn't do this as you then take over a public space when the whole family is there like they did yesterday evening?

There is a space that's a bit no lands land between park and flats that has a wooden fence (just like the single barrier) around it and I think if they'd put it there it wouldn't be so bad?)

I'm completely torn between thinking the kids need some fun after lockdown and constantly looking out of my window to check they're safe as no other adult around and the effect this is having on me relaxing.

So AIBU to think they shouldn't put it there?

The type of person who is selfish enough to put up a pool in a public area isn't the type that would think about risks. They probably just want their kids out of their way!

I spent ten years as a swimming teacher and life guard. If I lived there I’d go over tonight and run a knife through it. It’s beyond ridiculously dangerous.

I’ve pulled many kids out of the water but the worst was a toddler who was basically stood on the bottom of the pool only noticeable when I walked past.

It wouldn't bother me. It's in a public space but parks are there to be used for recreation. It's not really taking over the space any more than using a picnic rug.

As for supervison, a small pool is not much of a drowning risk. Even very young children will remember too breathe, its instinctive. But in any case, that is a decision for parents to make. You wouldn't intervene if it was their garden so why intervene when its in the park.

As for toddlers wondering about, their parents can supervise them as the do around any other body of water in a public space.

@Atadaddicted

Realistically OP - it’s a paddling pool You seem very anxious and I suspect it’s distorting your perception

I use to be a lifeguard.

Perhaps I'm anxious.

But I'm far too aware of the risks. And had to try and resuscitate drowned people before.

It possibly is distorting my perception.

But I'd rather that than do nothing and feel guilty for life if someone did drown.

Paddling pool or not. You can drown in a puddle with the right conditions.

Parent has left kids towels and disappeared.

Now I'm more worried about cat piss and slime

There is plenty of outside space. Loads in the street and also surrounding areas.
We also have a beach 3 miles away so water isn't even an issue!

Picture would be outing. Couldn't distort cars (although number plates).

I'll try and draw a diagram!

Diagram

@islandislandisland

How did they fill it up??

I wondered that too.

a small pool is not much of a drowning risk

It really is. A toddler can drown in 10cm of water.

As for supervison, a small pool is not much of a drowning risk. Even very young children will remember too breathe, its instinctive. But in any case, that is a decision for parents to make. You wouldn't intervene if it was their garden so why intervene when its in the park

Dear god. You are aware you cannot breath under water regardless how instinctive it is Have you ever seen a toddler In shallow water trying to stand up after they have fallen over or even small children for that matter?

Irisponsible springs to mind. Parents not even there. Beggars belief. Any small kid could go on and drown. FFS swimming pools are supposed to be open again at beginning of August.

If the owner is the local authority (most likely), then they would have to give permission, and that wouldn't be given without proof of insurance. Report it to the Council ASAP. They will be liable as soon as they know, unless they take immediate action. Which I suspect they will.

I speak from experience.

But in any case, that is a decision for parents to make. You wouldn't intervene if it was their garden so why intervene when its in the park

It's really quite simple. Parents are liable on their own property, but the otherwise the is. So even if kids sneak into your garden while you're away, YOU are liable if they get hurt. Councils are big targets for negligence claims, so they tend to take this pretty seriously.

otherwise the owner is.

Those saying that it's not that dangerous, I'd just like to point out that drowning is the second highest cause of death in children under the age of 5 after cancer.

This is highly irresponsible and dangerous.

Well done OP for reporting.

@MiserySand Were you joking or was it a lampoon? a simple lampoon?

They're putting a private pool IN a public park? That's a bad idea for so many reasons. It's very dangerous, and they are taking public land for private use. I don't think you would be wrong to report it. Children could die if you don't.

I'd call the police on 101. It'll take ages for council to see and fix, meanwhile it poses a huge drowning risk to local children.

Well done for reporting OP.

It's dangerous in both the sense of drowning and contamination.

It's absolutely not an over reaction on your part and I'm bemused by any posters who think otherwise.

If it's still there tomorrow I'd take a knife to it like another poster suggested - I'm gobsmacked tbh at how anyone could think this was an acceptable idea, it's ridiculously dangerous.

If parents set it up for a party then took it down, I wouldn't bat an eyelid.
Paddling pools that are filled and not supervised are just plain dangerous, to kids and animals.
Just phone the police.

@penelopeplums NO need for a picture or a diagram. I can imagine a 6ft, 75cm deep pool...with a massive shit in it. Just stop talking and do it. You'll be saving lives. lmao

People will assume it's a public facility!

No they wouldn't. Since when has a local council or whatever opened a new public swimming pool randomly in a park without any staff, etc. No one would think this.

This sort of thing used to happen all the time when I was young in the 60s, no-one cared and everyone had fun. It's only nowadays the elf' and safety police seem to want to come out to ruin it.

You are definitely not unreasonable to have reported it.

I look forward to seeing the owners of the pool in Angry People in Local Newspapers shortly, as the type of people to put a pool up in a park are also the type of people to complain about it being removed to the paper, complete with sad faces and pointing.

I wouldn't do it, but it wouldn't bother me if someone else did.

Beyond irresponsible. I just don’t get some people.