East York Pool removes sign asking swimmers to wash off sunscreen

WATCH ABOVE: A swimming pool in East York has removed a sign asking for patrons to rinse off sunscreen before swimming after outcries from the community. The City of Toronto says the sign was well-intentioned by misinterpreted. Marianne Dimain has the story.

TORONTO — The Kiwanis outdoor pool in East York is a popular spot for families to cool down on hot summer days, but a sign posted on the front gates asking patrons to remove sunscreen before swimming left some families feeling burned.

Tracy Travers was greeted by the handwritten sign on a recent visit with her daughter.

“I was appalled, I was confused. We’re going to a pool where kids can get sun burnt really quickly,” said Travers.

“I have a fair child and she’s going to get sunburned, and with skin cancer on the rise, it was crazy.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "I have a fair child and she's going to get sunburned, and with skin cancer on the rise, it was crazy."

The sign asked visitors to stop and rinse off sunscreen before entering the pool, citing the Health Protection and Promotions Act.

Kiwanis staff says sunscreen leaves an oily film on the water, which can make it difficult for lifeguards to see the bottom of the pool.

“Because of the amount of sunscreen, it increases chlorine levels because we have to purify the water,” said Richard Labonte, Kiwanis Pool staff member.

“The more chlorine we use, it kills all the bacteria and sunscreen. It ends up in our filters.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The more chlorine we use, it kills all the bacteria and sunscreen. It ends up in our filters."

Yet the City of Toronto says the sign should not have been posted in the first place.

“The sign that was posted at Kiwanis Outdoor Pool was well intentioned and an attempt to encourage swimmers to shower prior to entering the pool, but could have been misinterpreted. It has since been taken down. We regret any concerns that this sign may have caused,” Aquatics Parks, Forestry and Recreation Manager Aydin Sarrafzadeh said in a statement.

“While sunscreen does impact water clarity among ot`her factors, participants are encouraged to stay sun-smart by applying sunscreen regularly, drinking plenty of water and taking periodic breaks from direct sun exposure.”

Since the sign has been removed, Travers says she now plans to return to Kiwanis pool with her daughter — and sunscreen.

“I’m glad that they were on it,” she said.