Councillor Calls for Larger Signs at Conwy Paddling Pools to Warn Parents of Grazing Risk

A concerned councillor says larger signs need to be put up at Conwy’s paddling pools, to warn parents of the risk of grazes from the new ‘textured’ anti-slip surface.
The paddling pools at Rhos-on-Sea, Penmaenmawr, and Llanfairfechan reopened last week with Llandudno’s Craig y Don paddling pool set to reopen ahead of the bank holiday weekend.
The four pools were controversially shut last summer, as Conwy searched for a contractor to install an anti-slip surface to make the pools safer.
But after several reports of children ‘grazing’ their feet on the new surfaces, a concerned Penmaenmawr councillor says she has now advised Conwy to install ‘larger and more obvious’ signs, warning parents to supervise children and ensure their feet are protected with ‘pool shoes’.
Cllr Cathy Augustine said: “We are in the business of making people feel as safe as we possibly can, especially, of course, our children. But there is a risk with any activity.”
She added: “The new surfaces are textured. When people are paddling or swimming, your skin will become softer, so if you are not wearing those shoes, that texture may graze your foot. Or if you fall heavily, you may graze. But you shouldn’t slip and crack your heads open anymore.
“When parents are saying there should have been signage and advice to wear shoes, it is there. What I have asked for as a county councillor looking after my residents is that those signs are bigger and in a really obvious place. I want a much bigger sign (at Penmaenmawr), possibly two and in very obvious places, and I’d want those signs up at all the pools because I know of one issue at Llanfairfechan pool so there needs to be clear, large signage. I’m told this is in hand.”
A spokeswoman for Conwy County Council said: “We’re aware of comments about the paddling pool surfaces. The non-slip coatings have been applied to the paddling pools and have successfully been tested in wet and dry conditions. It is important to note that these are outdoor facilities and advice for using them is displayed on the signs at the pools.”

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter