UK Waterpark Describe 999 Calls As 'Huge Over-Reaction' After 46 People Treated By Paramedics

The waterpark that was evacuated after a number of visitors started 'feeling unwell' has described the response as a ‘huge overreaction', claiming emergency services never should have been called.

A total of 110 people were evacuated from Waterworld in Stoke-on-Trent yesterday (8 June), with 46 receiving treatment from ambulance staff and two taken to hospital as a precaution.

Stoke-on-Trent Police confirmed officers were in attendance after visitors reported 'eye and throat irritation and nausea', while West Midlands Ambulance Service said it had a 'number of ambulances and specialist resources' on site to assess people saying they were 'feeling unwell'.

However, a spokesperson for Waterworld has claimed that the situation was a 'huge overreaction'.

"This has been completely blown out of proportion," the spokesperson said.

They continued: "The huge overreaction from emergency services was incredibly distressing for our customers and our staff. 

"We had received a small number of reports from customers about irritation to their eyes and throat, and were dealing with the situation. 

"At no time was there any need for the emergency services to be called."

The spokesperson confirmed that Waterworld would be closed today as a precautionary measure to carry out further tests.

They added: "Despite stringent tests from our in-house team, and the emergency services using their own specialist equipment, no harmful gases, liquids or other substances of any kind were found in the water, and air samples for chlorine gas levels came back as normal."

The Midlands-based Waterworld is said to be the UK's top tropical indoor aqua park, attracting 400,000 visitors each year. 

Eight ambulances and three fire engines were seen by eyewitnesses as they gathered outside the Festival Park attraction.

An air ambulance was also spotted landing behind the nearby Best Western Plus hotel, while police officers also arrived and have since warned members of the public to avoid the area.

Georgina Middleton, who was at the leisure centre when it was evacuated, told the BBC: "Everyone was coming out with coughs and sneezes and itchy skin, so they took everyone out and checked them over.

"I'm OK, I've just got a bit of a cough and a sneeze myself and I feel a bit dizzy."

Mike Roberts, from Chester, also said his wife and two sons were among those evacuated.

"Staff were being sick, people had burning eyes," he told the news outlet.

"My wife pulled the boys out of the pool and when she got outside she saw emergency services outside.

"They have been checked over by paramedics and my son was asked if he wanted to go to hospital.

"I was very concerned, I left work straight away in case I needed to get to Stoke," he said. "They're OK though, they're on their way home."

LADbible has contacted Waterworld for further comment.