Nathan Berry, 38, who was employed at Penarth Leisure Centre and Llantwit Major Leisure Centre, was jailed for more than eight years after he admitted taking indecent images of children and sexual assault.
One parent, who asked not to be identified, said: “I first found out about Nathan Berry when I saw a South Wales Police report on Friday evening.
“To say I was shocked and horrified was an understatement.
“My three children were all taught by him at Llantwit Major Leisure Centre swimming pool.
“He was there on and off for years and also taught other children I know.”
She added: “He seemed nice enough, I thought he was socially awkward, but I never imagined he could be capable of such horrific crimes.
“My heart breaks for those families of the vulnerable children he targeted.
“He’s a monster who had access to so many children across various lines of his work.
“I keep going through what could have happened to my children.
“We had no warning of his arrest or crimes before we saw the police report and it was days before the leisure centre even acknowledged a paedophile had been teaching our kids to swim.
“It’s just a nightmare that Berry had close access to so many children across the Vale of Glamorgan and beyond.”
In a statement, the council said: “The safety and wellbeing of children and young people remains our highest priority.
“Our thoughts are with the victims and families affected following the outcome of criminal proceedings and the sentencing of Nathan Berry.
“We recognise that the case has caused significant concern within our communities, particularly amongst parents and families whose children attended swimming lessons at Penarth and Llantwit Major Leisure Centres or who were supported by Nathan Berry in his other roles, including that of personal assistant.
“We also understand the distress that has been expressed following the conclusion and reporting of the court proceedings.”
The statement added: “We are aware that Mr Berry had an enhanced disclosure and barring service (DBS) check, as required for a role working with children and young people.
“The council first became aware of the allegations when Mr Berry was arrested in March 2026.
“When we were notified, we immediately implemented the necessary safeguarding procedures, and he was directed to be removed from all duties while investigations were ongoing.
“We understand that the offences did not take place at the leisure centres and did not involve children attending swimming lessons.
“Throughout the investigation, the council fully cooperated with South Wales Police and ensured full compliance with safeguarding processes.
“We were unable to comment publicly while legal proceedings were active to protect the integrity of the police investigation and avoid prejudicing court proceedings.
“We were also mindful of the need to safeguard the privacy and welfare of those directly affected.
“We continue to support families affected by this matter. We are committed to maintaining robust safeguarding practices across all services and will continue to work closely with partners to ensure the highest standards of safeguarding for adults and children are upheld.
“Understandably, we have received a number of enquiries from members of the community, and we assure people that we are responding to these as efficiently as possible given the sensitivities and nature of the case.”
