Nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy ordered out of inflatable pool at Kurnell Beach

A young boy with cerebral palsy was reportedly ordered out of an inflatable pool by council safety officers at Kurnell Beach on Australia Day, sparking community outrage.

Sophie Wellard, who witnessed the incident at Bonna Point Park, near Cronulla, said it broke her heart.

“There was a big beautiful family set up for the day with food, music, drinks and lots of beautiful children,” Ms Wellard said.

“There was a little boy in a wheelchair who I have now found out has cerebral palsy. His mother took along with them a little inflatable pool so he could have a splash in the water, not being able to enjoy the ocean due to his physical disability on Australia Day.”

She said a local resident reportedly rang the council, who came and “ordered the child out of the pool”.

“I don’t care about rules and regulations for a few centimetres of water for a disabled child.”

She said she saw the mother and grandmother in tears over the incident.

The mother of the boy, Siu Moli Siola’a, explained on Facebook the pool had been placed under adult supervision for toddlers in their group and for her son, who has cerebral palsy and struggles with ocean conditions.

“He struggles with the sound of waves and carrying him across sand into the water isn’t always possible. This little pool allowed him to enjoy the beach in his own way,” Ms Siola’a said.

She said when the council officers arrived, they outlined several issues, including water depth limits, disposal of water, and the use of park tap water.

“They advised us of the danger and politely asked us if we could get the water in the pool down to 50cm. We acknowledged our mistake and co-operated.”

She said a cousin emptied the first bucket of water into nearby bushes before being told that was also an issue.

“We also found out it is against the law to use the tap water at the park to fill up the pool. They said if Sydney Water was involved we would’ve been in big trouble.”

Ms Siola’a said the officer told her next time to “get water from the ocean,” but also raised concerns that the inflatable pool posed a slip hazard, despite the family setting up behind public toilets on grass away from foot traffic.

She said after being instructed to deflate the pool, the children became visibly upset.

“We co-operated. The toddlers screamed. My son was confused why his water fun ended quickly.”

She said the most distressing moment came when she returned with a towel and saw an officer motioning her son to get out of the pool.

“The officers were aware of my son’s disability and why we had the pool there … I returned to one officer motioning my son to quickly get out. That’s what upset me.”

“For anyone observing, it doesn’t take much to realise which child had the disability. He was the only grown child in the pool sitting. That hurt me,” she said.

Ms Siola’a said the experience highlighted the lengths parents go to ensure children with additional needs can still enjoy everyday moments.

“As parents, we’ll do anything to see our child smile. And when your child can’t walk or has additional needs, you do everything possible to make sure they can still have fun, feel comfortable, and never miss out.”

“I don’t like using my child’s disability to justify our presence or ask for special treatment, because that’s not what this is. It’s hoping that others can be a little more understanding, show compassion and just enjoy life.”

Ms Wellard later shared an update, revealing Bondi Beach lifeguards had organised a fully accessible day out for the boy.

“A bigger thank you to Hoppo, head lifeguard at Bondi Beach, for organising a day out for (the boy) fully accessible for his needs. This will be an amazing experience,” Ms Wellard said, and thanked the community for supporting the family.

A spokesperson for the Sutherland Shire Council said they acknowledged the “distress” caused to the family.

They added: “Sutherland Shire Council regrets that for the family involved, their Australia Day experience was not a positive one.

“In NSW, inflatable and portable pools that can hold more than 30 centimetres of water are subject to the same strict safety requirements as permanent swimming pools. As the pool did not have a compliant barrier, Council staff were required to act.

“Officers spoke with the family to explain the safety concerns, respectfully requested the pool be emptied and assisted the family to do so.”