mystified by pool rules

[sunchild77]

DH and I took the kids (5 and 3)swimming this morning at our local pool. Its a small council pool, but attached to the local HS.

I didnt want to swim today, (not really feeling like it, plus needing to defuzz etc) but I went along to help DH get the kids dresses/undressed.
I planned to sit by the side of the pool, and read my book/ encourage them to try and swim.... Until the jobsworth at reception side that "No Spectators are allowed"!

I was particularly mystified as I also take DD to swimming classes to the same pool during the week, and I have to stay for the entire class, ie. I have to remain by the pool for the entire class.

I did mention this fact to the guy on reception, but he said "classes were different"... But how? I seriously don't understand!

AIBU to think that that if I was a paedo or likely to get off watching small children swim, it wouldnt matter if there was 40 kids in the pool or if there were 3 - who were also with a parent or responsible adult...?!

Maybe someone can help me with this one!

Gwendoline and Mutznutz I'm so glad it's not just my DH who does this. Drives me insane! He even listens to people who have no authority, and then does what they tell him. If I ask why something isn't allowed etc he doesn't know. I send him back to find out why sometimes now!

I am assuming its more about ensuring everyone in the pool is properly paid up, than thinking the place is going to be overrun by paedophiles! As there is no spectator gallery, and its just poolside seats, it would be pretty difficult to keep tabs on people who might start off spectating, then slip off the t shirt and have a dip... And equally, they may have issues with kids getting in and out of the pool, sitting with mum, which rapidly turns into having a drink and bag of crisps, then dipping back into the pool... All a bit unhygienic. Swimming classes are very different and the kids aren't hopping in and out every two minutes. My take is that its about practicalities of open swimming sessions. Think its a bit strange to jump to some conclusion about paedophiles