Aussies warned over 'disgusting' act wreaking havoc at pools this summer
With summer set to be a scorcher, those cooling down are being urged not to ruin it for everyone else.
With a wave of Aussies expected to cool down whatever way they can during what is predicted to be a scorching summer, one council is warning residents to make sure they're not responsible for shutting down their local pool.
Sydney's Camden Council says water parks could be shut for up to 24 hours if a 'Code Brown' is detected, urging residents, particularly parents, to be "mindful and responsible" in the coming months.
And according to locals, the unfortunate health hazard of faecal matter entering public pools and splash parks happens "far too often".
"I have seen some pretty disgusting things here," one person said in response to the warning on social media.
In a council video, employee Jordan from the open spaces and parks division explains the problem can have huge repercussions for the public.
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"It's really important to make sure children's nappies are on properly because otherwise we could shut down the park for up to 24 hours to make sure the water is safe," he explained, adding soiled nappies should be disposed of properly in the sanitary bins provided.
Faeces in public water requires extensive cleaning
Camden Council explained there is an intensive cleaning process and parks can only be reopen if water samples pass rigorous safety testing.
Infants must wear a swim nappy, a rule which one resident claimed is routinely broken. "Regular nappies which are fully soaked in water will hold nothing, and will fall apart if a kid slips and squashes it," they said.
Camden Council also prohibits parents from changing nappies besides water areas.
For Jordan, the message is simple. "Code brown means shut down," he reminded locals.
The warning comes two months after a P&O cruise ship was forced to close its pool after a 'Code Brown' from an infant. P&O confirmed to Yahoo it does not allow children even in swim nappies to enter its pools.
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