Paradise Cove Aquatic Center — Local services in Richmond

This place has the most whistle happy life guards of any water park I’ve been to, and for no reason, my niece and I went for the first time and they probably blew the whistle 80,000 times in the 5 hours we were there, kids jumping off the side of the pool, no whistle, 500 people in a small pool, no whistle, people jumping off a diving board before the one before them can get out, no whistle, sit in the only part of the pool that isn't 3ft deep, whistle! because it’s a lap lane, even though no one else was swimming laps and also just sitting there, but it’s not okay for certain people to do it I guess, besides that the pool is great for smaller kids, the main pool is only 3 ft deep, the other pool was closed the first 2 hours we were there then so crowded you couldn’t turn around without bumping into someone, but if you have kids that can’t swim well, I’d recommend it, you will just be bored out of your mind and annoyed from hearing the 16 year olds blow whistles for no dang reason. Also, they have an adult time in the pool with the diving boards which would be great if you know the whole park wasn’t aimed at children and is more of hassle to get the 200 kids out of the pool for 10 minutes than it’s worth. Also again, eat before you go, unless you enjoy pizza with unmelted cheese, and soft pretzels. The prices weren’t terrible, but once I saw the pool and realized I’d be spending my day in 3ft of water, I soon realized I wasted $16 and should’ve drove an extra 30 minutes to a pool...

Let me start by saying we come here a couple times every summer. We come and enjoy the sunshine, water and a bit of shade. That being said I will get to the issue.

The life guards are not paying much attention to anyone in the kiddie area or the lap pool. I myself had to address a group of young adult males who were rough housing in the kiddie area. They were picking one another up and body slamming and wrestling around little children trying to swim. I watched for 3 mins as not one life guard blew a whistle til I got up and told them to stop. Once the lap pool open 2 young men and a young woman were choking and punching one another as I and my two little boys were trying to swim and relax, again not a single whistle blown and I had to get my kids out.

I may be asking a lot but I am a correctional officer and in my line of work all these things may start as playing then people are getting hurt for real and the people around them. I am use to having to keep my head on a swivel and be mindful of my surroundings while keeping 96 to 150 inmates from doing exactly what these young adults were doing. I would think as a life guard it would be the same for them so catching the slightest bit of oddity should be not to difficult.

I am not sure what else could be done. Maybe a bit more training on direct supervision and how to de-escalate situations like I found myself...

Overcrowded, Underwhelming, and Honestly Embarrassing

We arrived at 3pm on a Sunday and waited 30 minutes just to get in—why? All they’re doing is collecting $10 per person. I don’t understand what’s taking so long unless they’re hand-printing the wristbands. Which no one got any type of stamp or wristband, so anyone can walk right in.

Once inside, we were immediately hit with the sight of a completely overcrowded pool. Not a single chair available, let alone a shaded spot to escape the sun. We tried to make the best of it and get in the water—only to find ONE usable pool over 3ft, half of which was roped off for no reason. The other half was full of wild, splashing kids with no lifeguards paying attention or doing anything to maintain order or safety. They should have told people they were at capacity HOURS AGO.

We gave up and tried the concessions—big mistake. Yes, the prices are cheap, but the food reflects it. The pizza we got? Cheese wasn’t even melted. It tasted like regret. They were out of most menu items—no Gatorade, no hot dogs, no sodas, nothing. Our only drink options were communal jug water for 50 cents or a HOT bottled water for $2. Guess which one we got. Guess how refreshing it wasn’t.

This place needs serious staffing, structure, and refrigeration. Until then, save your $10, your patience, and...