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Children injured during accidents at John Nike Leisuresport

00:01, 22 July 2018

A spate of accidents at a sports centre led to one teenager being taken to hospital and others needing first aid.

Parents turned to social media to air their concerns about safety procedures at John Nike Leisuresport in Chatham.

The incidents happened on the toboggan track of the ski centre in Capstone Road where young riders suffered burns, bruises, blisters and sprains.

Sky, 10, suffered bruising and a blistered hand on the toboggan track
Sky, 10, suffered bruising and a blistered hand on the toboggan track

One child who came out of her kart after being rammed from behind was "knocked out" according to a Facebook post.

It has led to the manager Andy Rushton carrying out an inquiry and scrutinising CCTV of the three incidents within 45 minutes on Sunday, July 8.

Mary Nelder said her 10-year-old daughter Sky came out with giant blisters.

The mum-of-two, from Herne Bay, had accompanied Sky to a children's party.

Sky's blistered hand
Sky's blistered hand

She said: “It was a boiling hot day and the metal on the side was like a grill pan.

"Most of the girls were wearing shorts and t-shirts and they should have been wearing more protective clothing, perhaps even helmets.

“She was very tearful. We had to get ice from the cafe to pack on her burns. Sky came off lightly compared to others.”

Mr Rushton said: “We have a robust set of safety briefings, signage and ticketing.

Bruising on Sky's arm
Bruising on Sky's arm

"As with any reported incident we look at health and safety.

“There are guidelines on the tickets issued before people go on the ride and there is a safety briefing by our staff.

“We have large signs warning when to slow down and to keep hands on the bar at all times and legs inside the kart.

“We used to only have CCTV at the top and bottom and now we have it 80% covered.

"The onus is on the rider to follow instructions.”

Children under four are not allowed on the rides and those between four and eight must be accompanied by an adult.

Mr Rushton added: "From the age of eight it is deemed safe for them to use on their own."

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