Disabled swimmer jumps from pool for using periscope ‘in case he drowns’

A swimmer says he was “humiliated” after being kicked out of his local pool for using a snorkel.

Kiril Georgiev, 42, has been a regular visitor to Maidstone’s Mote Park leisure center since December 2020 and uses a snorkel due to a disability.

After a diagnosis of a giant cell bone tumor in his spine in 2014, a quarter of his vertebrae were replaced with a metal implant and a quarter of his spine was supported with metal screws and rods.

Kiril Georgiev claims he jumped from a swimming pool in the UK because he was wearing a snorkel he used for his disability. KMG / SWNS

As a result of the procedure, Kiril can only participate in low-impact sports such as swimming, but he must do so without stressing his spine.

Because of his condition, the Bearsted resident has used a snorkel at the leisure center since joining, with the permission of facility managers and lifeguards.

However, on December 23, he says he was “kicked out” of the pool due to what he said was a complete kit ban.

He said: “Ever since I’ve been swimming there, the snorkel has been something the lifeguards have been asking about.

But when I explained that I have this medical condition that requires the use of a snorkel, they were right and I’ve been using it ever since.

“On December 23, I got in the water, started swimming and was stopped and told I had to get out because I was using a snorkel.

Georgiev shows the snorkel that got him out of the swimming center. KMG / SWNS

“I explained that I had been using it for a medical reason and had swam like this in the Olympic pool in Stratford and other pools in London where I lived.

“He said, ‘No, we’re just not letting anyone snorkel because the lifeguards aren’t trained to remove the snorkel from your mouth if you start drowning.’

“It’s very humiliating for me, just to be kicked out like that.”

Last updated in October 2024 on the Maidstone Leisure Centre’s website, the equipment policy states that snorkelling “may be restricted to general swimming sessions in public”.

Kiril says a blanket ban is a “discriminatory policy” and is stopping those with injuries or disabilities from entering the sport.

Because of his condition, the Bearsted resident has used a snorkel at the leisure center since joining, with the permission of facility managers and lifeguards. KMG / SWNS

He says he is content to waive the responsibility of lifeguard for him if they fear any solution.

The software engineer has since complained to Maidstone Council and Faversham and Mid Kent MP Helen Whately.

He added: “This ban means that as long as I live here at home, I can’t play the only sport I can, which is essential to my health.

“This will be a significant change in the way I live.

“I was kicked out of a leisure center in Maidstone after being told the company that runs it is implementing a complete ban on snorkels.”

#Disabled #swimmer #jumps #pool #periscope #case #drowns
Image Source : nypost.com

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top