Complaint Review: Somerset Hills Swim Club

After joining the Somerset hills swim club back in 2015 we had hoped it would be a wonderful experience for our child who was new to swimming. The pool which is a salt water pool appealed to us tremendously.  However our experience begged to differ after seeing how children with dirty diapers were allowed to remain in the pool prompted us to reevaluate our decision to renew for the following year.  We terminated our membership for the following year in writing and requested our bond/security be returned in excess of $600.00.  We were informed by Laura Hess that we would be put on wait list before our bond would be released as our placement would have to be picked up by another family. I thought it was odd and a bit unorthodox and a red flag went off in my head right away as to why they would hold my money. 

I delivered my cancellation letter in person to a staff worker at the pool after phoning Laura Hess informing her of my intention. I had wanted to expedite the matter because I was unaware at the time that my security/bond would not be released immediately.  I contacted Laura Hess again after terminating our membership to find out how soon I would get back my security/bond and it was then I learned my bond would be held upwards of 2 years until such time a new family filled my place. 

Fast forward one year later… We have now received a notice that our bond will not be returned to us as The Somerset Hills Swim club who is under new management (Janet Kessler aka Janet Gumersell) claims they have no proof that we cancelled the membership and for some reason that means they get to keep our bond/security.   

 I pleaded with both of these women to assist me but they both shrugged me off. Janet Kessler aka Janet Gumersell stated to me that they have no proof that I cancelled my program and from what she relayed to me over the phone it seems many other family’s have made similar claims of cancelling

She referenced this as she told me, “ How can I trust you did this (in regards to cancelling)  when many other family’s have given me the same story.”  This was another red flag…letting me know I am not the only one.

In my conversation with Laura Hess, she does confess that what I reiterated to her as far as context of our previous phone conversation seems to be on point with what she would of told me but that she is no longer in charge.

Family’s be aware of the unethical business practices of this organization.  Take your kids to swim someplace else !!!  They took my money and are keeping it after I followed through with their requests.   It’s just not right  !!!