By: Momodou Gagigo
A disturbing incident on Saturday at the Woodpecker Hotel in Banjulinding has left two young girls and a boy with severe health complications after swimming in the facility’s pool, sparking outrage and an urgent police investigation into potential negligence and chemical contamination.
The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed, reportedly experienced alarming symptoms shortly after using the pool. The girls suffered from severely swollen breasts, with one allegedly sustaining a severed nipple – a graphic injury that has horrified parents and raised immediate concerns about the pool’s safety. One of the girls remains under treatment at Kanifing General Hospital, where medical staff have called for a formal police report to deepen the probe into the cause.
Families of the affected children confronted the hotel management, only to receive a dismissive response. The hotel owner and manager insisted that the establishment bears no responsibility for pool-related incidents, declaring that swimming is “at the individual’s own risk.” The manager acknowledged routine chlorine-level checks, citing possible allergies as a factor, but admitted this is not the first such complaint.
An anonymous staff member revealed to The Alkamba Times that a device installed to monitor pool chemical levels was damaged years ago by children playing around it and has never been repaired. Chlorine is added regularly to disinfect the water and eliminate bacteria, the source confirmed. However, maintenance practices appear lax: while the pool water is claimed to be changed daily, staff could not verify consistent testing or upkeep schedules.
This latest case echoes a similar incident last January, when other children and parents lodged complaints about adverse reactions after swimming. Despite repeated issues, no apparent improvements in maintenance protocols have been implemented.
Doctors at Kanifing General Hospital conducted examinations on the victims and recommended escalating the matter to authorities for a thorough investigation. The case was initially reported at Kanifing Police Station before being transferred to New Yundum Police Station. Officers have collected statements from the victims and are preparing to forward the file to the Crime Investigation Unit. As of now, the hotel manager has not been charged but is expected to be summoned for questioning.
Public health experts speaking to The Alkamba Times warn that improperly maintained swimming pools pose significant risks, particularly from chemical imbalances, such as excessive chlorine levels, which can cause severe skin irritation, burns, or allergic reactions. In rare cases, over-chlorination or contamination can lead to blistering, swelling, and tissue damage – symptoms aligning with those described by the victims’ families.
They said the incident highlights broader concerns over guest safety at recreational facilities in Gambia, arguing that Hotel owners have a duty to ensure regular water testing, proper chemical balancing, and functional monitoring equipment to prevent harm.
“Authorities must act swiftly to determine if negligence played a role and hold those responsible accountable,” a one of the victims’ parents told TAT.
As the investigation unfolds, parents are urged to exercise caution with public pools and report any irregularities. Restoring trust in such amenities will require stricter oversight, mandatory maintenance logs, and public education on swimmer safety.
