Mum’s fury after daughter compelled to go away pool over swimwear at Haven vacation park
Anna Roberts, 50, said her family’s holiday at Haven Marton Mere Holiday Village in Blackpool was ruined after her 12-year-old daughter was asked to leave the swimming pool over her swimwear choice
Ella, 12, was reportedly asked to leave the pool over her swimwear(Image: Anna Roberts)
A family from Wythenshawe claim their daughter has been left devastated after being ordered out of a Haven swimming pool during their Blackpool holiday due to her swimwear.
Anna Roberts, 50, was staying at Haven Marton Mere Holiday Village caravan park between June 5 and 8, while holidaying with her partner, three children and two dogs.
The mum claims they encountered a number of problems during their stay with one occurring at the swimming pool. She claims the incident has resulted in their 12-year-old daughter Ella being discouraged from swimming again.
Anna revealed that Ella was wearing a swim T-shirt and shorts, chosen specifically for their comfort due to her sensory needs, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Shortly after the family entered the pool, a lifeguard approached them and requested that the child exit the water due to her attire.
“She was only in for a few minutes and then we were asked to get out,” Anna recounted.
She explained that the clothing had been bought from the swim section and was intended as suitable swimwear to help her daughter feel at ease in the water.
She added that she had assumed it was appropriate for use in the pool and that her daughter required it for sensory reasons.
“I just said this is what she can wear, it’s what she is comfortable in,” Anna stated.
The family claimed they were informed that alternative swimwear could be purchased on-site, which they found exasperating given they had already paid for access to the swimming facilities as part of their booking.
Anna also mentioned that before entering the pool, they hadn’t noticed any signs indicating what was acceptable to wear in the pool.
She expressed: “It felt really unfair, especially because we’d already paid for the pool.”
Ms Roberts shared that she brought up the issue with staff immediately afterwards but felt she received little assistance at the time and was told she would instead be contacted by someone later.
She revealed this incident shaped her approach to other problems during their break, including issues within the caravan, which she decided against mentioning face-to-face at the time and instead reported online once back home.
The family also claimed they felt the youngster had been targeted, pointing out that they witnessed other children in the pool dressed in comparable attire, including T-shirts and shorts.
Anna also explained that her daughter was positioned in the shallow end next to them rather than actually swimming.
Anna said: “I don’t want another child to go through what Ella went through. I just think it’s wrong, it’s supposed to be for families.”
After their holiday, Anna said she lodged a complaint at reception and was told someone would be in touch.
She subsequently received a telephone call offering a £50 voucher and confirming the issue had been forwarded for additional investigation, but said she was let down by the response.
A Haven spokesperson has said: “We are sorry that the accommodation did not meet our usual high standards and have since spoken to the guest to apologise. We encourage guests to make our team aware of all issues immediately so that we can rectify them.
“Our lifeguards work hard to ensure all guests remain safe when using our facilities. For safety reasons, anyone entering the swimming pool must wear appropriate swimwear and everyday clothing is not permitted in the water.”
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