PUPILS at a Devon school have been banned from wearing goggles during swimming lessons – for health and safety reasons.

Teachers at St Sidwells Primary school, Exeter, have told parents that goggles can only be worn by children who have an adverse reaction to the chemicals in water.

Authorities say they're following advice from the British Association of Advisers and Lecturers in Physical Education.

The advice states: "Head teachers should inform parents and carers that goggles can be a hazard and cause permanent eye injury.

"Wet plastic is very slippery and frequent, incorrect or unnecessary adjustment or removal of them, by pulling them away from the eyes instead of sliding them over the forehead, can lead to them slipping from the pupil's grasp, with the hard plastic causing severe injury."

But parent Tracy Brock said the ban was "ridiculous".

"It's health and safety gone too far," she said.

"My children have worn goggles for years and there's never been a problem before. Part of growing up is playing and taking risks. Children are being wrapped up in cotton wool now."

Mrs Brock, whose daughter Tess, 11, uses goggles to keep chlorine out of her eyes, added: "If it carries on like this we are going to be breeding a generation of namby pambies. They'll be frightened of their own shadow before too long.

"It's ridiculous, but I think it's the suing culture. People in charge of children are afraid of being sued, which is a shame."

The school said in a statement: "In the present culture we need to make sure we are legally covered in the event of a problem or injury. We do, however, try to be flexible and are happy to discuss with parents any concerns they may have."

Steve Kibble, Devon County Council senior education adviser, said the guidance was not new.

"It's been around about 15 years," he said. "It's about managing risk – we're saying goggles should only be worn by children who have an adverse reaction to chemicals in the water."