Council apologises after rangers tipped over inflatable pool

Sutherland Shire rangers overturned an inflatable pool set up by a family for their eight-year-old son with cerebral palsy at Kurnell beach, and the mayor later apologised and said rangers should have used discretion.

A family set up a small inflatable pool at Kurnell beach for their eight-year-old son, who has cerebral palsy and prefers very shallow water. Another beachgoer reported the setup, and two Sutherland Shire Council rangers attended about an hour later. The rangers ordered the pool deflated and later overturned it while the family was present. The family say the pool was shallow and that their son was not in danger. Sutherland Shire's mayor apologised and said the rangers should have used discretion. What is reported: - Sutherland Shire Council rangers overturned an inflatable pool at Kurnell beach after responding to a complaint. - The child involved is eight years old and has cerebral palsy; the family said the pool provided a comfortable water level for him. - A member of the public reported the setup, prompting the rangers' attendance about an hour later. - The mayor issued an apology and said rangers enforce the rules as they exist and should have used discretion. - No further official enforcement outcomes or next steps were announced. Summary: The incident upset the family and prompted a public apology from the mayor, who acknowledged the need for discretion by council staff. Undetermined at this time.