A dad has warned parents about hidden dangers in a popular tidal paddling pool on Southend seafront after his young son suffered a deep cut to his leg.
The tidal pool on Thorpe Bay beach fills with water at high tide and is regularly used by families when the tide goes out, particularly during warmer weather.
However, concerns have been raised after local dad James David said his five-year-old son sliced his leg open after jumping into part of the pool, seemingly on broken glass.
James David said: “My 5-year-old son jumped into the pool in the circled area and sliced his leg open, seemingly on broken glass!
“He was patched up and is fine now but keep your kids away from this side of the pool! If you drink on the beach don’t throw your glass bottles in the water!”
James added: “The doctor said it was definitely glass, and his friend also cut his foot on the same day in the same spot (they were together).”
The injury has sparked fresh concern among residents about broken glass, sharp debris and litter on Southend’s beaches, particularly in tidal areas where hazards can be hidden beneath water, sand or seaweed.
Beach cleaning in Southend is carried out by Southend City Council’s contractor SUEZ, which is responsible for regular cleansing along the city’s seafront. The company carries out early morning beach cleans and additional work after busy periods, particularly when large numbers of visitors have been using the coastline.
Councillor Matt Dent, cabinet member for culture, tourism and business, said: “We’re very sorry to hear about the injury involving a child and wish them a full and speedy recovery. Southend-on-Sea City Council works closely with our contractor, SUEZ, to keep our seven miles of coastline clean and well maintained. Crews carry out daily early morning cleansing operations and continue to monitor the seafront throughout the day, removing any accessible litter or debris.
“Tidal pool areas are subject to changing tidal conditions and are often filled with water, which means they cannot be cleaned on a fixed schedule. Cleansing in these locations is therefore carried out when access is possible and safe to do so.
“We keep our approach under review to maintain standards across the seafront and will continue to work with our contractor to respond to conditions on the ground. We also remind beach users to dispose of their litter responsibly or take it home, to help keep Southend’s coastline safe and clean for everyone.”
Several locals have said problems with broken glass and litter are a regular concern on Southend’s beaches, especially after busy weekends, warm evenings and gatherings along the seafront.
Martin Southend said: “Two weeks ago in Thorpe Bay beach there was a ground of lads having a party and smashing beer bottles. After they had gone, we picked up what we could.”
He suggested: “This ‘pool’ and the one at Chalkwell should be cleaned out with a digger each year and fresh sand put in. It would not take long or cost a huge amount.”
Others said broken glass may not be the only possible hazard in tidal pools.
Michael Sharp said: “Another possibility is that the cuts may have come from Pacific Oyster shells. With the new growth on the shell this time of year they are like razor blades. They grow in their hundreds attached to the walls of the pool. Some die during the winter and open up to stand away from the walls and become more dangerous. These are a non native visitor to our shores and are now widespread throughout the south east.”
But for many residents, broken glass on the beach is not a new issue.
Paula Blake said: “When I was 7 I was on the beach there and ran down to the sea, and stood on a broken bottle. I had stitches in the sole of my foot and can still remember my dad running with me along the seafront to get first aid with blood everywhere! I’m 54 now!”
Southend’s coastline stretches for around seven miles and attracts thousands of people during warm weather, placing extra pressure on beach cleaning teams and public bins.
SUEZ cleaning teams regularly work to clear litter, debris and waste from the seafront, particularly after busy days and weekends. However, the latest incident has prompted renewed calls for beach users to take extra care, avoid bringing glass bottles onto the beach, and take rubbish home if bins are full.