Skin Problems from Swimming in Mesa Parks & Rec Pools?

Updated on June 21, 2011
F.R. asks from Astoria, OR
4 answers

My boys just started baby swim lessons at the Skyline Pool in Mesa, AZ. After three days, one of the boys got red spots in various places on his torso and the skin on his arms and legs is very rough. I have developed what looks like chemical burns on the backs of my knees. At first I thought it might be our sunscreen. But since it's hypoallergenic and doesn't have fragrance or dyes, that seemed unlikely.

Then, this morning, I saw spots all over the back of another little boy in the class. His mother said that both of her children have had skin problems from the pool. Her son has this fast-spreading rash and her daughter has HPV warts on her feet. Yikes! It's not just us!

I plan to write a letter to the Parks & Rec about this, but I wanted to know if anybody else has had trouble with the Mesa pools. Please, tell me what your experiences have been like!

P.S. I'm also very concerned about the fact that 30% of the children in the pre-school and kindergarten swimming classes seem to cry in their classes. I heard one instructor tell a child, "You have to do it!" while he pinned the child's arms above her head and then dragged her through the water on her back. I've also watched one little boy being repeated dunked under the water while his instructor says, "See, I won't let you drown. You're okay!"

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So What Happened?

Thank you for your responses. I called and spoke with Aimee, the aquatics director. She said that the pool had recently been given a good review by the health department, so perhaps the skin problems were just coincidence.

I suggested that they check in with the swim instructors to see how they're feeling about the classes and share some tips and tricks for encouraging kids to participate without physically forcing them to do the activities.

We're going to give lessons another try at a different pool to see how it goes.

More Answers

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J.L.

answers from Phoenix on

I've never been to Skyline pool but my kids have taken lessons at other pools in Mesa & they were great. Maybe try a differnt pool.
We do not live in Mesa anymore so have transfered our kids to Evo Swim School, their main pool is in Gilbert but they do have lessons in Queen Creek & north Mesa. They are excellent! My 3 year old daughter is swimming all on her own, can front & back float & swim almost the length of our backyard pool by herself. All the instructors are patient with kids that cry or are shy. They are worth the money! Check them out if you get time.

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R.C.

answers from Phoenix on

You should be concerned. Not only have you discovered a public health issue, but also it doesn't sound like the instructors are of the caliber that one would want teaching their child. 2 of my kids just finished swim lessons at Hamilton in Chandler and we had a WONDERFUL experience. My 3 yr old never cried, but didn't exactly participate full time the first week (he kept running back to me and little bro), but his teacher was so patient that by the end of the 2 week session, he was bubbling and floating like the rest. She never forced him to do anything. My 6 yr old also had a great experience and mastered lots of new skills. I'm so sorry for your trouble w/ Mesa.

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A.M.

answers from Phoenix on

Wow my kids have been going there for lessons this year. They haven't had any problems yet but they're a little older and experienced swimmers. Please don't wait to write a letter. Contact them immediately so they can properly treat their water (and talk to their staff). Here's the email for the person in charge of the swim program: ____@____.com

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R.A.

answers from Phoenix on

WOW, I want to thank you for posting this. We were thinking of going there both for swim lessons and just for fun. Please keep me update on the situation and if the instructors get any better.

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