"Someone will get hurt": Upset as lifeguard chairs ditched at Doncaster swimming pools

While lifeguards will remain alongside all of the city’s pools, the traditional high seat chair will no longer be used, with staff monitoring swimmers from a standing area at the side of each pool.

One concerned swimmer told the Free Press: “Lifeguards are now expected to stand within an area about 8m wide, from one side of pool.

"There is no way they can see the far side and below water. – utter madness.

"Probably some money saving scheme, but sooner or later someone will get hurt and the lifeguard will be blamed for not being about to see through choppy water.

"It would not be so bad if they could walk around, but they are restricted to one small area. I speak with some experience as I am a swim coach and know how difficult it is to see through choppy water, even when closely watching a swimmer.”

Bosses at Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust have insisted swimmers will be safe following the changes and Kelly Nicoll, head of environment, health and safety at DCLT, said: “We have recently undertaken Lifeguard Zone Visibility Tests (LZVT) across all our swimming pools, following guidance from the Royal Life Saving Society, which is identified as best practice in the Health and Safety Executive, Management of Health and Safety in Swimming Pools.

"As a result of carrying out these tests, changes to lifeguard positions have been made and pool lifeguard chairs removed.

“The health and safety of our customers is always our utmost priority and the rigorous LZVT test is carried out to ensure that a lifeguard can observe the whole pool, including the floor, from their lifeguard position.

"Where the lifeguard cannot see a particular part of the pool, adjustments are made to their position. Various factors are considered when reviewing the position of a lifeguard such as pool depth, vision through the water, glare and reflection, pool scanning and response times to incidents.

“We are always happy to address any concerns our customers may have when contacted directly.”