Belgian CentreParcs: swimwear for men - tight only?

[Farkinhell]

Have I understood the rules for the pools at Centre Parcs in Belgium right - that men and boys have to wear tight swimming trunks rather than baggy ones?

Has anyone been and can confirm this for me before I a) break the news to son and husband and
b) buy new trunks?

They both have the type with the mesh bit inside, rather than the streamlined ones professional swimmers wear...

I've been to a few of the Centre Parcs in Belgium and don't remember this ever being a rule... You should be ok in normal swim stuff. There's normally a decathlon nearby if not!

Might be worth emailing. I just checked and de vossemeren have changed the policy and tight swimwear is now needed

Eek! Thanks. Yes I'll email with an example of what they wear and keep my fingers crossed!

I’ve just looked at the rules in French and the rough translation is;

“Swimwear: Only form-fitting swimwear made of Lycra or equivalent material is permitted. Swim shorts are allowed provided they end above the knee. Headwear is prohibited (except for fitted swim caps).”

So my interpretation of that op is yes your dh has to buy form-fitting nylon or Lycra trunks. They can be long or short but they most be specific to swimming, not baggy boxers with mesh. The long ones must be tight and thigh length.

It’s a hygiene rule; in the same way hats, except swim caps, are prohibited in the pool. It is basically to prevent people wearing anything that they might wear ordinarily as leisurewear in the street, or around the home, in the pool, to avoid contamination of germs.

This way they know you are unlikely to have slept in it, or worn it out to a cafe (in the summer) or gone shopping as some do in boxer type swimwear. You have specifically worn it for swimming only.

HTH!

I can't comment on the Belgian Centre Parcs but it's definitely a rule in the French ones (all French pools really). All men are wearing them though - so no one stands out particularly.
If your husband and son are reluctant to buy something maybe point out to them that if they're found to be wearing unsuitable swimwear they'll be forced to buy something 'suitable' from the vending machine in the changing rooms and they are cheap, scratchy and uncomfy - best to buy something a bit nicer before you arrive!

Don't know about Center Parcs in Belgium but it is definitely the case at the water park at Plopsaland (De Panne) and I've heard of it in a few other places in the area. My friend's husband was horrified when he had to buy speedos!

Ex lifeguard here - skin tight swimwear is much safer because it is less likely to get caught. There have been incidents of people drowning by getting their hair or clothing caught in vents.