YMCA Cape Cod Pools Closed After 7 Kids Hospitalized

BARNSTABLE, MA — YMCA Cape Cod pools will remain closed this week after seven children were hospitalized in a hazmat incident on Friday, the organization said.

On Friday, YMCA officials said seven children from the after-school program were taken to Cape Cod Hospital to be evaluated for respiratory issues after only being in the West Barnstable pool for a short time.

Massachusetts State Police told Boston 25 News that the children were exposed to a chemical reaction in the pool, prompting symptoms that included coughing and vomiting.

According to the Boston Globe, at least two of those children were later flown to a hospital in Boston for treatment. Though one of those two was in "critical but stable" condition, all seven are expected to recover.

YMCA officials said they've been cleared to reopen the pool as of Sunday, but have decided to keep the pool closed until at least Thursday while an internal investigation into the cause of the Hazmat incident continues.

An update on the status of the pools will be given on Friday, officials said.