A dad of two who suffers with Crohn's disease was left humiliated when Butlin's staff kicked him out of a swimming pool for having a colostomy bag.
Ian Coates, 48, was queuing to get on a water slide with his 11-year-old son when one of the holiday camp's lifeguards said he couldn't go on it with his bag.
The embarrassed father stood at the entrance for over half an hour in his swimming gear arguing with staff and it took for him to take to social media before he was allowed in the pool.
He had to go a whole day of his holiday without being let in with his family.
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Since being called out on social media, Butlins have apologised to Ian and his family and have announced they are taking advice from certain charities on how to deal with similar situations.
Ian was diagnosed with Crohn's disease over nine years ago, was barred from the pool on the first day of a week away with his family.
He said: "This was deeply upsetting, humiliating and I was extremely angry. Holidays are important to us."
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Just as he was about to get on the slide, he said he was questioned about whether he had been on the slide before and was singled out in front of everyone.
He continued: "They said I wasn't allowed on with my stoma and this was clearly audible to the people queuing because a lady joined in, defending me.
"She said her son had a stoma and he was allowed on. She kindly offered to take my son on and he agreed.
"I'm in a colostomy group where people have been to water parks all over the world and post pictures with their bags all the time."
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After spending 10 minutes waiting at the side of the pool, in full view of other visitors, after asking to see the manager of the Skegness site.
"It was total ignorance," Ian continued. "The manager came down and kept apologising, but said I couldn't go on. I said "you've ruined the holiday, we'll have to go home."'
Eventually though, staff confirmed that he was allowed to go on the slide the following day, with the company apologising to Ian and his family.
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A spokesperson told LADbible: "At Butlin's we want to make sure that every single one of our guests has a great time when they come on holiday with us. We do allow guests with colostomy bags to use our pools, slides and flumes and it is regrettable we made a mistake in this instance.
"The error was corrected as quickly as possible and the guest was subsequently able to use the pool facilities, nonetheless we apologise sincerely for any upset and concern that this has caused. We are reviewing our team training and working with the charity Colostomy UK to seek their advice in this area to ensure there are no similar incidents in future. We have also contacted the guest concerned to apologise."
Featured Image Credit: KennedyTopics: uk news
