A LIFEGUARD is needed so residents at a retirement village can use a newly built swimming pool, it has been claimed.

The pool was opened up at Kings Park Village, on Canvey, as part of a package of improvements.

However, frustrated residents told the Echo they still have to go elsewhere for exercise due to safety concerns.

Arthur Huckle, 69, who lives in the complex, said rules state residents cannot use the pool alone and must take someone else with them when they go for a swim.

He claims this is impractical as many people at Kings Park live alone.

Mr Huckle said: “Someone I spoke to said they went to the cafe and waited for someone hopefully to turn up to go swimming with.

“They gave up and now use Waterside Pool so they can go swimming.”

He added that the lack of a lifeguard was a major concern for residents.

Mr Huckle said: “When entering the pool area you have to read the sign about how to use the reach pole which is quite long.

“How is a 60-year-old supposed to lift it?

“If you are in the pool with a fellow residents who you may or may not know and one or the other gets into difficulty, like having a heart attack, when you at far end of the pool, you have to make your way to the only steps, climb out, ring the bell and get the pole off wall and try to fish the person out.

“Hopefully a member of staff will arrive from the cafe, but they are only trained in basic first aid.”

Mr Huckle said that Thorney Bay caravan park, also on the island, has a lifeguard and access is open to everyone to use the pool.

He added: “I would hate to think someone may die because of the lack of lifeguard.”

Mr Huckle said he was also frustrated that only residents could use the pool, meaning he cannot take his daughter with him when she is visiting.

The 70 acre park, made up of 1,000 residents over the age of 50.

As well as building a swimming pool for residents, other improvements at Kings Park have included a new cafe, bar and restaurant. New homes, including apartments and park homes, are also on the way.

No-one from Kings Park Village was available for comment when contacted by the Echo.