AN URGENT warning has been issued to parents after children became violently sick after swimming at a popular holiday spot.
A kids' party went horribly wrong after some of the poor guests were administered antibiotics for the shocking and sudden illness.
Paul Gill visited part of the River Medway at Teston Country Park in Maidstone with his family for the 14th birthday bash.
They innocently enjoyed kayaking and paddle boarding in the river, enjoying the chance to soak up some sunshine.
But, disaster struck the following day when the 72-year-old started to throw up uncontrollably.
The grandad, who lives in Eversley Park, Folkestone, told Kent Online: “It was the most terrible night. I vomited at least a dozen times.
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“I have been swimming in that river forever and never had an issue but now after Saturday a bunch of us have felt unwell.”
A shocking six children and two teenagers, who also partied at the River Medway, experienced similar bouts of sickness.
Even by Tuesday, four days after the party, Paul confirmed some kids were still suffering and one had even been prescribed antibiotics.
More were on their way to the doctors, according to the 72-year-old.
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“I’ve always loved the Medway. Unlike the Stour it has locks and no current making it more enjoyable for the children", the retired printer continued.
The Environment Agency is yet to respond to the concerned grandadabout the incident.
He suggested water testing before summer weekends, when the river will be busier.
"I know they put out signs for blue-green algae but there hasn't been any for a while", he added.
"I think they've taken their eye off the ball and it's even more worrying when it involves kids who may need to miss school."
It hasn’t been confirmed whether the family contracted their illness from the water.
But this comes after 12 people were afflicted by a similar outbreak after swimming in the River Medway last summer, as reported by euronews.green.
George Ames visited the popular Kent spot with his family and a group of friends to cool off amid a heatwave.
It was the most terrible night. I vomited at least a dozen times."
But the 41-year-old told of the horror story which followed when 12 of 13 people became violently sick – with one woman hospitalised.
A warning on the Environment Agency's government public health page reads: “Open water swimming can increase the risk of gastrointestinal illnesses, or stomach bugs, which may cause diarrhoea and/or vomiting, as well as respiratory, skin, ear and eye infections.
“Most symptoms of these illnesses caused by micro-organisms such as norovirus, giardia and cryptosporidium, will generally be mild.
“However, there is also a risk of more severe infections caused by micro-organisms such as E.coli O157 which may cause severe gastrointestinal illness and leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), which can cause liver and kidney problems."
It also states The Environment Agency monitors over 400 designated bathing areas and issues daily pollution risk forecasts for a number of them.
WARNING
A warning has also been issued for River Medway users to stay safe during the summer heatwaves.
It read: "Waterways can contain hazards, particularly in and around structures such as bridges, locks and flood channels, as well as dangerous flows after rain and thunderstorms.
"Unexpectedly cold waters or strong currents can also catch bathers off guard.
Jason Adams, a senior waterways officer for the Environmental Agency, said: "The summer is always a busy time on our rivers, and we expect the Medway to be a focal point for a lot of people's leisure time, though we want people to not just enjoy it, but to remember some basic safety points as well.
"We often see youngsters jumping off bridges into the Medway, with Teston Bridge Country Park, Maidstone and Anchor Sluice and Hampstead Lock being particular hotspots, though there can be hidden dangers in the water that could cause them to get into difficulties."
He urged parents to keep a close eye on their children and make sure they are never in the water unattended.
LIFE SAVING ADVICE
The key safety points highlighted on the Gov.uk website are: "If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live.
"Lean back and use your arms and legs to help you float, then get control of your breathing before calling for help or swimming to safety.
"If you see someone else in trouble in the water, call 999 or 112. If you are at the coast, ask for the coastguard, if you are inland, ask for the fire service."
This comes as seven people, including four children drowned in just two weeks amid hot weather.
Teenager Abbie Walton, 15, tragically died at the River Etherow in Broadbottom, Greater Manchester, on June 14.
And a boy, 14, lost his life after first getting into trouble while swimming in Cumbria's River Eden on May 26.
His friend Lewis Michael Kirkpatrick, 15, died in the same incident.
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The five other victims of devastating drownings this month are:
- Erin Madden, 15, who drowned after getting into difficulty swimming at Carr Mill Dam in St Helens, Merseyside, on June 1;
- Freya Carley, 16, who was pulled from the ocean in Saltburn on the afternoon of June 4;
- A man who died after being pulled from river in Ayreshire on June 14;
- A woman in her 70s who died after swimming in River Avon near Evesham on June 14;
- Most recently, on June 18 a man died after entering Roath Lake, in Wales.
WATER WARNING
Top water safety tips from gov.uk
Don’t jump or dive in as the depth may vary and there can be unseen hazards.
Don’t go in near weirs, locks, pipes and sluices. These and some other water features are often linked with strong currents.
Inland waters can be very cold, no matter how warm the weather. Those going into cold water can get cramp and experience breathing difficulties very quickly.
Most importantly, parents and guardians can help keep children in their care safe by:
- Teaching them to swim
- Warning them not to go into water alone, or unsupervised
- Ensuring they know where the children are and what they are doing
- Supervising them closely when near any open water
Remember drowning can occur very quickly, even in shallow water, and the key to keeping safe is to take all necessary precautions to avoid getting into difficulty in the first place.
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