Fife Sports and Leisure Trust has defended its handling of a chemical leak at its St Andrews swimming pool.
One swimmer claimed the response to the incident at East Sands Leisure Centre in which 19 casualties were rushed to Dundee’s Ninewells Hospital was disorganised, with people left outside wearing just towels and without being told what was going on.
A trust spokeswoman said: “We would like to thank customers who were at the centre on Tuesday for their cooperation. We’d also like to thank emergency services for their support and our staff, who acted quickly, following procedures so that everyone was safely escorted out of the building.”
It is understood the substance involved was hypochlorite, which leaked from a 1,000-litre storage tank.
Swimmers reported hearing a bang then a gurgling noise on Tuesday afternoon, then feeling a burning sensation in the throat as the fumes were inhaled.
Five children and 14 adults were treated in hospital for minor respiratory problems and later released.
The centre was closed on Wednesday but fully reopens on Thursday, trust officials have confirmed.
“Investigations are ongoing as to the cause of Tuesday’s incident at East Sands Leisure Centre,” said the spokeswoman.
“We are unable to give any further details until an investigation report has been finalised.
“The trust is liaising with the Health and Safety Executive, which will decide if it, or Fife Council, will carry out a formal investigation.
“The centre remains closed but we expect to be able to update customers later today via our website with further information and do not foresee a lengthy delay in opening.”
Meanwhile, a swimming pool maintenance expert said the incident could have had more serious consequences.
Allen Wilson, president of the Institute of Swimming Pool Engineers, told a radio programme: “From my reading, it’s a release of chlorine gas. In the worst-case scenario, inhalation of chlorine gas could be fatal, depending on the person’s respiratory condition.”
Mr Wilson said that inadequate inspection of swimming pools is a nationwide problem.
“We don’t drink and drive because it’s policed effectively. Sadly, swimming pools in the UK are not policed effectively.”
He said it is essential that trained leisure centre staff are on duty to prevent accidents.
“Their main duty might be duty manager. They may not be plant room people,” he added.