A MAN threw himself fully clothed into a swimming pool following a row over his gym membership.

Ian Whitfield dived into the pool at David Lloyd Gym in Darenth Road, Dartford in his business suit after he was told he had to serve three months notice to terminate his membership.

Gym members can end their membership during the first 12 months providing they give at least one month’s notice in writing.

At any time after the beginning of the 12th month of membership, three months notice in writing is required.

But Mr Whitfield, who lives in Strood, missed the deadline to hand in his notice because he was on holiday.

He and his partner were then faced with having to pay £50 each for the following three months.

The 40-year-old said: “I felt really angry - £300 is a lot of money.

“We only missed it by a few days but there was no understanding from the gym.

“So I walked around handing out leaflets, really just to warn other people to be on the lookout.

“The manager took me into his office, telling me we could discuss it, but nothing happened.

“So I jumped back over the barrier and threw myself into the swimming pool fully clothed in my business suit.

“I swam around a bit and then got out.”

Mr Whitfield was then escorted from the gym by police who gave him a warning about his behaviour.

He added: “It was a bit crazy to jump into the pool like that but someone had to make a splash.

“I drove home in my clothes soaking wet."

Mr Whitfield says he then received a call from David Lloyd telling him his notice period would be waived as long as he did not step foot in the gym again.

He said: “I’ve won the battle.

“I feel quite excited and pleased about it but it’s caused me a load of hassle.”

A SPOKESWOMAN for David Lloyd says staff work hard to ensure terms and conditions of membership are clear.

She added: “As a policy, David Lloyd Leisure will not tolerate any abusive or intimidating behaviour towards staff or other members on its premises.

“As a consequence, and in accordance with our terms and conditions, the member was immediately banned from all David Lloyd Leisure clubs."