An investigation by the Borough Council’s Environmental Health Department was carried out after bathers holidaying at the Seashore Holiday Park in Great Yarmouth had to attend the James Paget Hospital after becoming unwell.

The investigation determined that several chemicals used in swimming pool disinfection had been deliberately mixed together against safety guidelines, which had been provided by Bourne Leisure, the company that owns the holiday park.

On both the 19 and 20 May 2007 Mr Kinnard, Leisure Manager for Seashore Holiday Park,  was involved with carrying out and instructing others, to generate Chlorine Gas to kill pigeons, which were accumulating in a fume tower, near the swimming pool complex of Seashore Holiday Park.

On the 20 May this Chlorine gas entered the swimming pool complex and caused many bathers, including a number of young children, to suffer significant health effects. This resulted in over 22 bathers having to attend the James Padget Hospital.

Sarah Flatman, Environmental Health Officer said: “This case shows how important it is for employees to follow the safety procedures and rules laid out by their employers.”

This investigation showed that Mr Kinnard went directly against health and safety provisions put in place by Bourne Leisure.

Kate Watts, Commercial Team Manager for Environmental Health added: “I am pleased with the outcome of this sentence. This incident showed a blatant disregard for not following simple health and safety procedures, which in turn, resulted in causing significant ill health and panic to a large number of bathers.

“I feel that it was extremely fortunate that no fatalities occurred on this day. This case shows the need for people at work to take a common sense approach to their own health and safety and that of those around them.”

Mr Peter Kinnard, of  Lydstep, Tenby, Penbrookshire, Wales pleaded guilty to 2 charges under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and associated Regulations made under this Act today at Great Yarmouth’s Magistrates Court on Friday 30 November 2007 and was sentenced to pay a total of £1875,00 including costs which were awarded as £210.

Note to Editors: Chlorine Gas can be produced when acids and alkaline are mixed together. The health effects from Chlorine gas can result in seconds and can cause difficulty in breathing, and eye and skin irritation. In extreme cases Chlorine Gas exposure can kill.

However generally most people will recover from low levels of Chlorine Gas exposure with no long term health effects.

For Further information please contact Kate Watts, Commercial Team Manager on 01493 846 547 or 07768865236.