A MOTHER has called for more tests on public paddling pools after her two children fell ill.

Mikayla Brazier has spoken out after her young children were left with a rash and were feeling nauseous after visits to Saunders Park paddling pool in Brighton.

The pool has been shut off this week after tests revealed high levels of bacteria while the fountains at The Level have also been turned off over the same health and safety concerns.

Miss Brazier said she had taken her children to Saunders Park a few times recently. After one visit her six-year-old daughter Mia developed a “massive rash” while her one-year-old daughter Ava vomited the day afterwards.

She believes her older daughter is showing all the symptoms of a recreational water illness.

She said: “It may be coincidence but it may not.

“This has definitely put me off taking them to Saunders Park again.

“I know the water can’t always be checked and you’re bound to get some bacteria but I think checking once a month is ridiculous.

“If you have a fish tank for tropical fish you check that daily so why not check a child’s paddling pool at least once a week.”

As well as Miss Brazier, a second mother has reported on social media that her son has developed an infection following a visit to the same park off Lewes Road.

Louisa Jameson-Card said her son had cut his foot at Saunders Park and had also visited The Level this week.

She said he was now suffering from a bad bacterial infection which had been spotted just in time.

The two play sites were closed at the start of this week after testing showed high levels of bacteria in the water which chlorine had not been able to reduce.

City council officials believe the bacteria could have been spread from bird droppings or dogs but that the two incidents were not linked.

A spokesman said pools were tested on a monthly basis and the council had no plans to increase that.

The spokesman added: “We are not aware of any reports from parents regarding children being unwell.

“Rashes can appear for many reasons.

“If parents have concerns about their children’s health and wellbeing they should seek further advice from their GP.”