Dozens of Mansfield swimmers were left in only costumes, space blankets and slippers after a gas leak meant the Water Meadows Centre had to be evacuated.
It happened at around 10.50am when staff members smelt gas near the reception area.
Christine Bacon, pictured, was one of the people who had to leave the centre.
She said: “I was just swimming lengths like I usually do, then all of a sudden the staff started shouting at us to get out of the pool.
“They then led us straight outside, we weren’t even allowed to get our bags.”
In total around 60 people were taken out of the centre and waited outside before they were led to nearby Meadow House for shelter.
We were stood in our swimming costumes so I felt a bit self-conscious
Christine added: “It was absolutely freezing and obviously we were stood in our swimming costumes so I felt a bit self-conscious. They then issued us with space blankets and slippers, which helped.”
National Grid staff were on the scene within an hour to deal with the problem.
A Spokesperson for Mansfield District Leisure Trust said: “The evacuation was triggered as a result of a strong gas smell near to the reception area. Our staff quickly contacted the National Grid and also informed the local Fire Brigade.
“The safety of our customers is our main priority. Subject to further checks by a gas engineer, we hope to re open the centre to the public later this afternoon.”
