Latest news with #IrishSunPlus


The Irish Sun
5 days ago
- The Irish Sun
Center Parcs introduces strict new swimming rules across Europe and families are fuming after being caught out
CENTER Parcs resorts in Europe have tightened the rules on swimwear - and it's bad news for those who like to cover up. Guests have been told that swimwear must now be tight-fitting, which in theory means men should no longer wear loose shorts and ladies can't wear swimdresses. 4 Center Parcs in Europe has put in new rules when it comes to swimwear Credit: 4 Men need to wear fitting swim shorts and women can't have 'frilly' swimsuits Credit: The change has been brought in due to increasingly 'inappropriate swimwear' by It's understood the Another concern was that ruffles and frills in ladies' costume could be caught in the swimming pool mechanisms. According to the new regulations, anything worn in the sites' Even people who are just watching their friends or family must put on swimming gear, regardless of whether they go in the water. The new rules have sparked panic among modest Brits who were planning to One said on a Facebook page for Village Natures, a resort near Paris, said: 'Bit frustrating about the swim dresses, it's all I wear. Now having to find fitted swimwear I find comfortable in.' Most read in News Travel Another added: 'Please be aware before you travel to pack a swimsuit with no 'frilly bits'. They have turned away lots of women today with the swim dress style with no reason given.' A third told how she had to cut off the net skirt off her bikini in order to be allowed in the pool. The new Center Parcs holiday resort that has opened in Europe 4 Visitors are urged to check their swimwear before heading to Center Parcs in Europe Credit: Alamy Although Center Parcs said: 'This unified rule ensures safety and hygiene for Center Parcs Europe guests in the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Germany, and "The goal is to support guests through this change by clearly communicating the new guidelines. 'Our top priority remains ensuring the safety and hygiene of aquatic spaces while maintaining a respectful and welcoming environment.' These rules do not seem to apply in the On their website, information for this simply states: "Swimwear must be worn by all." Another rule that has been implemented since April 2025 is the Challenge 25 scheme. This requires guests purchasing alcohol to provide photo ID (driving license, passport, or PASS card) if they appear to be under 25. Online check-in is also mandatory for all guests, requiring them to log in to My Center Parcs or the app to generate an e-ticket which is used on arrival. Read more on the Irish Sun Plus, the future village locations. Plus, here are 4 Center Parcs in Europe is cracking down on swimwear at the resorts Credit: Alamy


The Irish Sun
02-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Garden experts issue urgent artificial lawn warning as kids and pets could be at risk
BRITS have been warned that their fake lawns could be harming their children and pets. Artificial grass traps traces of animal wee and poo, with the resulting bacteria a risk to people, cats, dogs and other wild critters, say experts. 1 Artificial grass could be a danger to kids and pets (stock image) Credit: Getty The report said: "While synthetic lawns are a popular low-maintenance option, they don't clean themselves." It added: "Many households don't realise that artificial grass must be cleaned regularly - especially when pets are involved. "Artificial grass can trap pet urine and faecal bacteria, if not rinsed and sanitised. "That build-up can release harmful vapours and bacteria, posing risks to your pet's health." It said the recent heatwave had turned mock turf into "a breeding ground for pests and a source of serious bacterial contamination". The report commissioned by went on: "Pet urine doesn't soak into the ground like it would with natural grass - instead it lingers on the surface or underneath, especially if left untreated." Researchers found fans of astroturfed back yards had suffered maggot and fly infestations, ammonia build-up from pet urine, E. coli and salmonella exposure, and unpleasant pongs during hot temperatures. While pets had been hit with skin infections and paw irritation. Most read in Fabulous Lawn Tips If real grass is more your thing in the garden, there's a good chance the scorching weather recently has been turning your lawn yellow. But don't worry, there's a simple fix. Watch the moment home owner walks over their new-build's lawn and shows how landscaping turned it into a water bed You can transform your grass this summer with a completely free step. Scattering grass seed is the only way you can boost growth in sparse patches of lawn. However, this solution often faces a significant problem when it comes to wildlife. Birds often feed on grass seeds, swooping into your garden to peck them from your lawn. To protect your grass seed while you wait for growth, one gardening fanatic suggests: "Cover your grass seeds with grass cuttings to protect them from the birds. "Grass cuttings hold a lot of water so [they] will make it grow faster, proper green fingers." More gardening hacks An everyday £3 household item also helps to fertilise your flowerbeds this summer. Another budget buy will leave your lawn looking healthier than ever in a matter of days. And another hack helps to fertilise your soil this summer season. Read more on the Irish Sun Plus, a B&Q gadget that will elevate your lawn for just £8.50. A 30p food item can also help to keep your garden nourished this summer.


The Irish Sun
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
New Canyon smartwatch has 25 sports modes, is fully waterproof and, lasts up to 8 days between charges
CANYON has launched a new watch called the Smartwatch Otto SW-86. It's Italian-designed and features a unique, octagon-shaped bezel that's made from aluminium and is very lightweight, only 44mm in size, and is fully waterproof too. 2 The Canyon Smartwatch Otto SW-86 is available with different coloured straps Credit: Canyon 2 It comes with a USB charging cable and user guide Credit: Canyon It does all the regular things a watch does like tell the date and time, but it's also a smartwatch so packed with loads of modern features. The Smartwatch Otto SW-86 can receive notifications on calls and messages, you just need to sync it with your smartphone. And once linked to your phone, you can control your music playback and camera via the watch's touchscreen and view the weather forecast. You can also receive push notifications from social media apps, and get calls and SMS messages right on the 360x360 resolution screen. Read more in Tech And if you don't like the watch face that it comes with you can choose from six different pre-installed ones, just hold down the watch face then swipe to choose a different design. Alternatively, you can use the Watch-Face Gallery on the Canyon Life App to choose from 380 different options. And as it's also a sports watch it comes with 25 sports modes. It can monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, sleep, count steps, and will remind you when it's time to hydrate and have a drink. Most read in the Irish Sun Plus, it has a built-in pedometer, burnt calories, and distance tracker and can monitor your sleep, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. But that's not all as the Smartwatch Otto SW-86 has a reminder for physical activity, and as mentioned earlier, it is completely waterproof thanks to its IP68 water rating, so suitable for swimming, wearing in wet weather or while rinsing and bathing. Canyon Smartwatch Otto SW-86 Key Facts: Case Material: Aluminium and Plastic Time Display: Digital Removeable strap: Yes Strap: White Silicone Strap Band Size: 260mm x 20mm Display Size: 1.30" Display Technology: LTPS Display Touchscreen: Yes Display Resolution: 360x360 Operating System: Android 8.0 and later (smartphones with BT 4.0+ and Google Play services support, Android GO has no notifications support) iOS 14.0 and later Warranty: 24 months Battery Capacity: 280 mAh Internal Memory Size: 192 KB And you don't have to charge it daily because the Smartwatch Otto SW-86 has a brilliant battery life, lasting up to 8 days in active mode. It costs €89.99 to buy in store from Tesco, but use your Clubcard for a special offer of just €49.99, saving you €40.