Sahara Sam's Oasis apologizes for email message

WEST BERLIN, N.J. (WPVI) -- The management of New Jersey water park Sahara Sam's Oasis is apologizing for an email issued to some subscribers Thursday night.

The email arrived with the subject line "sAMBER ALERT."

Some of the recipients posted their displeasure with the message on the Action News Facebook page, pointing out the similarity with "AMBER ALERT," the system for reporting endangered missing children.

One commenter, Ken Hysore, said "I think it is disgusting that someone would approve this being sent to hundreds of customers of theirs when they cater to kids."

Another commenter, Leah Cokos, said "Well, you got my attention, now let's see who's attention I can get. Using a term synonymous with child luring - in an attempt to lure children to a place meant for their enjoyment - is repulsive."

In a message posted to its Facebook page, the Sahara Sam's management team is quoted saying:

"We are deeply sorry for sending the email newsletter tonight in error which used a play on words in reference to the amber alert system. The email subject line was NOT approved for circulation and, in trying to be creative during testing, our team made an error which may have resulted in a segment of our newsletter subscribers receiving this correspondence.

We realized this mistake and quickly reacted. Our entire staff sincerely apologizes for any offense this may have caused. In closing, we stand behind our commitment to educating children and their safety."

6abc.com has reached out to Sahara Sam's management for any additional comment.