MISSION (NEWS 1130) — A Mission spray park has closed after a number of children reported experiencing skin irritation and were treated by first responders Tuesday.
Around 11 a.m. a call to emergency services came in about children with burning eyes and mouths at the Mission Leisure Centre spray park, according to Mission Fire Rescue Service Duty Chief Dave Taylor.
“Our crews arrived on scene and the leisure centre staff already had moved the kids into a safe area and started treating them,” he says, adding the area was taped off. “Our crew jumped in and helped with the treatment along with BC Ambulance.”
Mission Fire Services has treated a number of children for reported chemical irritation at a spray park in the community. RCMP has opened an initial investigation. @NEWS1130
— Paul James (@pjimmyradio) July 14, 2020
Taylor tells NEWS 1130 at least five children were treated and one was sent to hospital, but he has heard reports the child appears to be alright now. One adult was also affected.
One child was transported to hospital this morning after emergency services were called to the Leisure Centre spray park…
Posted by Mission Fire Rescue Service on Tuesday, July 14, 2020
The duty chief says the water was treated and seemed to be coming back as normal, but it’s possible someone had used something like bear spray in the park before it opened.
Social media posts suggest the children playing in the water began crying and complaining of a burning sensation on their skin.
It’s not clear yet what exactly caused the irritation.
Mission RCMP has opened an investigation.
“We’re working with the District of Mission to determine the origin of the substance,” says Cpl. Nathan Berze, noting when the District tested the water there wasn’t anything off, including the chlorine levels.
“We’re looking at all possibilities of what it could be.”
Berze adds the victim services team will be following up with the families at the park.
The spray park has closed until further notice.
If anyone has any information regarding the incident, they are asked to call the Mission RCMP detachment at 604-826-7161 or go through Crime Stoppers to remain anonymous.
-With files from Jonathan Szekeres
