Isle of Wight Council’s Environmental Health team is rolling out a campaign to help accommodation providers manage the health risks linked to hot tubs, with Legionella bacteria at the centre of concerns.
Officers will contact and visit holiday lets, guesthouses and hotels across the Island as part of the initiative.
What makes hot tubs a risk
Warm water combined with organic matter creates conditions in which bacteria such as Legionella can thrive.
Breathing in contaminated water droplets can cause Legionnaires’ disease, a serious form of pneumonia, with symptoms including high fever, cough and shortness of breath.
Older adults and people with underlying health conditions face a higher risk of severe illness.
Anyone who feels unwell after using a hot tub should seek medical advice promptly.
A fatal local case
The risks are not theoretical. In February 2020, Paulette Crookes, aged 70, contracted Legionnaires’ disease after using a hot tub at Tapnell Farm near Yarmouth.
She died as a result of the illness.
An inquest jury concluded she acquired the disease from inadequate water treatment in the tub, pointing to a failure by the site to maintain appropriate sanitiser levels. Our sincerest thoughts are with Mrs Crookes’ family.
Support rather than enforcement
The campaign follows national guidance from the Health and Safety Executive on managing risks in water systems, including hot tubs and spa pools.
The council says its priority is to support businesses rather than pursue enforcement action wherever possible.
Rachel Briscoe, team manager for Environmental Health, said,
“Hot tubs are a popular feature in many types of accommodation, but they must be carefully managed to prevent serious health risks.
“This campaign is about helping businesses understand those risks and ensuring they have the right controls in place.
“We encourage all operators to review how they manage safety risks and seek advice where necessary.”
Tourism and guest safety
Councillor Karen Lucioni, chair of the council’s environment and community safety committee, said,
“Tourism is vital to the Island’s economy, and visitors rightly expect high standards of safety wherever they stay.
“This initiative is about supporting local businesses to meet those expectations and protect their guests, while reinforcing the importance of good maintenance and risk management.”
Accommodation providers carry a legal duty to manage health and safety risks linked to water systems.
The council encourages all operators with a hot tub – whether in use year-round or seasonally – to carry out regular checks, maintain records, and follow current guidance.
Getting advice
Businesses can contact the Environmental Health team by emailing [email protected] or calling 01983 823000.
Further information is available on the council’s website.
