Kids begin coughing, vomiting after HVAC system failure at Roslindale pool

Children at a swim team practice in Roslindale began coughing and vomiting after an HVAC system failure.

On Tuesday night, Mary Walsh, a Flaherty Dolphins swimmer, started feeling sick in the middle of practice at the Flaherty Swimming Pool in Roslindale.

"When everyone came out, they started so much coughing," 6-year-old Jamilett said. "My sister was coughing a lot."

Parents and kids told Boston 25 News that more than 20 kids were at practice when the HVAC system went out.

"They were coughing a lot," a parent named Vanessa said. "I guess it was the vents. They were doing their regular lessons, and all of them started coughing at the same time."

On Facebook, officials from the Flaherty Swimming Pool put out a post saying, "Flaherty Pool was closed today, Weds Nov 28, due to an HVAC system failure. Parts have been ordered. Repairs are expected to be done by Fri, Nov 30, and hopefully sooner."

During the incident, other kids were running to the bathroom.

"The chlorine made everyone sick, and two kids threw up," a swimmer named Mary said.

Now, the swimmers can't wait for the pool to be fixed, because swimming at the Flaherty Pool has become a routine.

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"I like swimming because it gives me strength," 10-year-old Jarileiny said. "I could accomplish my goals."

One parent told Boston 25 News that there's a swimming competition Saturday that has been moved to the Malden area as the pool gets repaired.

Cox Media Group