A mum was left horrified after watching her three-year old daughter fall deep into a pond after the toddler mistakenly thought thick algae was grass. Michelle Rowland has now called for a safety net to be placed over the area to prevent further accidents.
Michelle Rowland went to the press after learning that a similar incident involving a six-year old child had also occurred at the same body of water - at Queens Park, Loughborough. She hopes highlighting the issue will prompt authorities to take action.
The 46-year old described the moment her husband James pulled their daughter Evelyn free as like 'a moment from a horror movie', reports Leicestershire Live. The two parents said Evelyn had unexpectedly sprinted off, running around the pond where the water was clear, but by the time they had caught up with her she had already taken a step too far.
Following the rescue Evelyn began vomiting "murky algae-ridden water" and has since developed a chest infection - for which is she is now being treated with antibiotics. Charnwood Borough Council, meanwhile - the authority responsible for the park - has apologised to the family, but advised they are unable to treat the algae as the chemicals used in the process would impact the local wildlife.
The family, who were visiting the area from their home in Somerset were about to leave the children's area of the park when they spotted a fountain a short distance away. After moving closer to take a look, excited Evelyn ran off towards it and the adjacent pond.
The mum-of-four explained: "She had a lovely time playing in the playground on the swings and the slide. She was just in high spirits, running along but as we exited the park and followed a pathway - we saw this wonderful fountain with water.
"We all went to have a look at it and before I knew it Evelyn had ran off. As I turned around she was running full steam ahead around the pond and I yelled for her to stop. I could see she understood there was water, as she ran around the area where the water was clear, which was on the left side of the fountain.
"But as you follow the pond around to the right hand side, it turns into stagnant water which is completely covered in green algae. To my three-year-old it looked like grass and when I saw her run full pelt towards it I just gulped hard, knowing we wouldn't be able to get to her in time".
Naturally occurring pond algae can grow quickly during the warmer months and can appear as dense mats of green growth - hence appearing to be grass. Due to the thickness of the algae on the pond, the three-year-old had mistaken the surface of the water for the grass.
Michelle continued: "She was so quick and the whole thing happened in under thirty seconds. But at the time it was like watching a horror film unfold in slow motion. I watched her head disappear under the water. She sunk like a stone.
"The water was waist-deep, which is very deep for a three year old. James lifted her out and she was spluttering and being sick. I really think, for the sake of children - as it's happened to others as well as mine - they need to net it or something over the top. They really do think it's grass and it's right near to the children's play area."
According to the Environment Agency algae that form blooms or scum, including grass-like growth, can produce toxins. These toxins can lead to death in pets, wild animals and livestock. In humans, it can also cause illnesses if swallowed and skin rashes after skin contact. While not all algae are toxic, it cannot be assumed just by looking at them.
A spokesperson for Charnwood Borough Council said: "We are sorry to hear this has happened but have not received any reports. To be clear, signage is already installed around the pond to advise that children should be supervised. In relation to the algae, it is a natural occurrence and can only be treated with chemicals which we are unable to do due to its impact on the local wildlife."
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