Footage of Adult Nearly ‘Drowning’ in City Mall’s Airzone Ball Pit Went Viral

What do you think of when you hear the term ‘drowning’?

Swimming pools? Beaches? Vast oceans? Perhaps even p- *this part has been censored because of rules and regulations*

Well, apparently there’s another way to drown, and it doesn’t really involve water.

Rather, it involves balls.

A lot of balls.

As it turns out, a ‘drowning’ sensation was precisely what this 172cm parent felt, when she entered the newly setup suspended net playground ball pit in City Square Mall at Farrer Park.

What exactly happened?

On 3 Feb, a parent took to Facebook with a video that documented her less than pleasant experience in the suspended playground.

In the video, someone can clearly be seen flailing in the middle of the ‘sea’, waving her hands in a ‘frantic’ manner periodically throughout the clip. Her cries were also that of ‘distress’.

What’s more; she wasn’t the only one.

According to the description accompanying the footage, three other individuals were involved: her own son and 2 other kids, a boy and a girl.

Transcript (in case you can’t read):

Today I had the fright of my life.

We went to the newly opened Air Zone at City Square Mall. I was afraid of heights. But my boy wanted to play. So I just went ahead. I thought the ball pit was the safest place of the 3 storey structure. But I was so wrong.

Not long into the play, I lost my balance in the ball pit and fell backwards. I could not reach the bottom and I could not stand up. I tried to roll over, I couldn’t. I tried to find the net so I could grip it, I couldn’t. My son was stuck inside too. I panicked and waved and screamed for help. None came. I seriously panicked and did not know what to do. (My helper stoped the video when she realised something was wrong and shouted for help too but none came)

I finally grabbed someone’s hand and managed to stabilise myself and stood up. And thereafter I pulled out my son, and 2 other kids: a boy and a girl. It was then the staff came by to help me drag the kids out of the balls before I climbed out. The kids all went in alone. They were about 6-8 years old. The girl was crying and I think she went out after the incident.

Looking at the video which my helper had taken with the intention of taking us playing, there were about 4 heads under the pool of balls. At the side there was an adult pulling out another kid.

Yes it was a nasty experience for me. I’m not going into the ball pit anymore. 😆 however, I will not stop my kids from playing there. But I will ensure an adult (my hubs) goes in with him.

What’s the message I’m trying to bring across with this post? There is a certain level of danger in the playground and there is only so much the staff there can do. I appeal for you to go in with your kids. The more adults there is inside, you can help watch out for other kids. Just for info, the balls were up to about my armpits when I’m standing, and I’m 1.72m tall. Yes. Well yes it was fun, just not entirely suitable for young kids. Adult supervision needed. Lots of it. 🙂

#airzone #airzonesg #citysquaremall
#embarassingmoment #jellylegs

Airzone has responded

The post swiftly went viral with over 5.1K shares to date, and it seems that the attraction itself has caught wind of it too.

Leaving a comment on the post itself, Airzone apologised for the ‘bad experience’, promised to review the safety measures and reiterated the rules and regulations.

Transcript (in case you’re too lazy):

Dear Vivien and John,

Thank you so much for your support and for joining us at AIRZONE. We’re glad that you and Riley had an overall good experience on AIRZONE.

However, we are sorry to learn about the experience you and Riley had in the ball pit earlier today.

We would like to thank you for bringing this to our attention. We will review the number of balls included in the pit and ensure that our first-aid trained staff will be swifter in their response to any requests for assistance.

We also appreciate the fact that you had meant for the post to serve as a reminder to parents to accompany and supervise their children at play. 

It is also a requirement at AIRZONE for children under the age of 7 to be accompanied by an adult. This should have been communicated to parents with children prior to entering the attraction.

Once again, we sincerely thank you for your support and would love to meet you and your family and have you back on AIRZONE.

The family has gotten back

 

It seems that Airzone’s response wasn’t the end of the story, as the family has followed up with subsequent replies:

Transcript (in case you have sunglasses on):

Hi. Thanks for the reply. I think many people are over-reacting. I got quite used to it after about 10 mins in it. 

It really is quite safe, although a little out of the norm experience. Brought my kid back the 2nd time today and he really love the ball pit too. 

I am not sure of decreasing the number of balls is the best choice for your customer’s’ experience. 

My advice would be to do up a quick survey to get your customers to fill up as they are exiting. And see the response from real people that tried it, before deciding. 

I also taught my Vivien to roll such that she is tummy facing down, and dig her toes till she is standing in the net. Then from there slowly walk out. 

Will see you again with Riley next Sat. Cheers 

-John

Later on, the couple also made an effort to clear things up:

Transcript: Hi everyone. It’s Riley’s 2nd time there but Vivien’s first time. She is describing what she felt when she first went in. 

If it really was dangerous, I wouldn’t let my kid go in a 2nd time. 

Vivien’s advice is to accompany your child in and play with them. 

NOT DONT GO AT ALL. She did ask Daddy to go in next week in her post. – John

They also recommended the place for a pretty quirky notion.

Similar experiences

Incidentally, Vivien’s case isn’t really unique.

And there are worries too.

Although in fairness, there are Netizens who spoke up for the playground.

At the end of the line

It seems that the suspended playground is undoubtedly safe enough, but parental guidance is a definite must.

So don’t let this deter you, people! If you had plans to visit and whatsoever, do check it out! After all, if even the affected party’s willing to let her children go for a second time, it speaks volumes about one thing:

It must be pretty darn fun. 🙂

Address: 180 Kitchener Road, City Square Mall, #02-K4/K10, 2085

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This article was first published on goodyfeed.com

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