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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To avoid swimming because of tattoo?

57 replies

JamTarte · 21/10/2014 12:57

Would love to take 16mo DS swimming. However, I have avoided it so far because of a tattoo I had done years and years ago and nearly immediately regretted. I've even had it removed (laser) but, as seems to be the case with tattoo removal, the outline is left and it's still very obvious. People tend to ask 'what is that??' if it's ever (mistakenly) on show which I HATE.

Would I be likely to get random strangers asking me in the pool? Stares from other mums? Would YOU just not go swimming at all or AIBU and should just get on with it?

OP posts:
fuzzpig · 21/10/2014 12:59

You do realise you'll have to tell us what it's of :o

Seriously though I never look at anyone else when I'm swimming! And unless it's on your face, surely it's going to be under water most of the time :)

notagainffffffffs · 21/10/2014 13:00

Depends what it is, if is a swastika then yeaaaah I wouldnt get naked ever.
Anything else is fine just laugh it off

ghostyslovesheep · 21/10/2014 13:01

Can u not cover it with a nicer tattoo

BettyFocker · 21/10/2014 13:01

YABU. In the nicest way possible, no-one will care.

I have my arms covered. One of my tattoos is particularly shit but no-one bats an eyelid. I've never had looks or comments when swimming. Other mums are usually busy watching their children or have tattoos themselves. It's your own insecurity and I can guarantee it won't cross anyone else's mind.

Stripylikeatiger · 21/10/2014 13:01

Yabu. People really won't notice they will be too busy worrying about the way they look and what their child is doing.

I avoided going swimming when ds was a baby as I was unhappy with my body but I started taking him when he turned one as I didn't want to let my own issues affect him and actually I don't feel at all self conscious when swimming with ds.

Purplepixiedust · 21/10/2014 13:01

I have a back tattoo and have never had a stranger comment (though they may look). Where is the tattoo? Could you cover it in any way?

As an alternative could you have it covered with a different design which you prefer?

Please don't let it put you off taking your little one swimming xx

AWombWithoutAFoof · 21/10/2014 13:02

Unless it's a swastika or a big comedy cock and balls I think I'd front it out. Get it covered up with something you'd be happier to display.

Purplepixiedust · 21/10/2014 13:02

Fuzz makes a good point. You will be under water or wrapped in a towel most of the time too.

CMOTDibbler · 21/10/2014 13:03

Honestly, no one really takes any notice. They are too busy swimming or supervising their own children.

BarbarianMum · 21/10/2014 13:05

Swastika - never, ever show anyone

An enormous penis - maybe get a burkini

Anything else - relax, swimming pools are full of tatooed people these days. If you judged, you'd never get any swimming done.

One of the excellent things about swimming (if you are body concious like me) is how much of you is hidden under the water. Afterwards, reach for a towel.

But honestly, people won't notice or care. Go swimming!

BlairWaldorfHeadBand · 21/10/2014 13:08

It's a swastika isn't it?

If not I wouldn't worry about it. No one will care and you'll be having too much fun with your child to care.

squoosh · 21/10/2014 13:09

Huge tattoo of an angry swastika emblazoned penis with a speech bubble saying 'fuck you all motherfucker'?

Don't go swimming.

Winnie the Pooh carrying a balloon?

No one will care.

wingsandstrings · 21/10/2014 13:12

Unless it's a deeply offensive tattoo - on the swastika level as previously mentioned - honestly I can't imagine anyone would take a second look. Tattoos are very very common.

Hatespiders · 21/10/2014 13:14

If you're really unable to come to terms with it in front of strangers, have you considered totally waterproof make-up used by people with scars etc? It can completely cover almost any mark (people use it for large 'wine-stain' birthmarks for example) and you get a tone that matches your skin exactly.
I agree with everyone else though. They just won't even notice. Concentrate on your child's enjoyment. Hope you can manage to go!

NoArmaniNoPunani · 21/10/2014 13:15

YABU. I'm covered in tattoos and no one stares when I go swimming

Givemecoffeeplease · 21/10/2014 13:16

Just started swimming with DS. Honestly, you'll be in up to your boobs which may cover it anyway and your DC will be so pleased to be splashing that it just won't matter. Have fun x

Original poster
JamTarte · 21/10/2014 13:18

Not a swastika or giant cock Grin. A naff looking Celtic band on my upper arm (I was a bit of a Levellers fan in my youf) so quite difficult to cover even in water! It just looks odd in a 'is it a tattoo? A bruise? A strange disfigurement?' way.

However, these replies are making me feel brave...if people really don't take any notice ...

No idea how I'd cover it up (make up?) in water. And can't think of suitable replacement tattoo which won't look naff.

OP posts:
SaucyJack · 21/10/2014 13:18

I wouldn't worry. At least a half of the other swimmers will have dodgy tattoos, promise.

PurplePidjin · 21/10/2014 13:18

The most I've ever thought about another parent at the park/swimming pool/beach is "Oh, their child is the same age as mine, wonder if they're friendly"

Go for it :)

FWIW my ink is only partly visible under a swimming costume so looks a bit odd. Never had a comment!

cherrybombxo · 21/10/2014 13:19

I'm covered in tattoos - chest piece, two full leg sleeves, several on each arm - and no-one cares when I go swimming. They look at me, but it's more just out of interest/curiosity.

Any comments I've had have come when I've been fully clothed and minding my own business while out shopping Wink

lurkerspeaks · 21/10/2014 13:20

Get a rash vest. Loads of my friends wear them when swimming with kids as it gets so cold hanging around in the pool.

www.decathlon.co.uk/women-ss-500-uv-top-blue-white-id_8301454.html

cheerfulmadness · 21/10/2014 13:21

Unless the tattoo is really gross or offensive I wouldn't worry about it... Swim away :)

Blanketontheground · 21/10/2014 13:22

I'm the only mum in my kids swimming class without a tattoo. I think people might just be a bit nosey. It's certainly a more interesting story if someone had a tatoo removed - people want to know what it was and why you had it removed (like everyone on this thread!)

Fairylea · 21/10/2014 13:25

I don't think anyone is going to give you a second glance to be honest. Most people have parts of their body they are worried about tattooed or not so everyone will be worried about themselves and not you. . !

Vast amounts of people from all walks of life have tattoos now. It's so so normal. Don't even worry about it.

Me and dh are covered in them and dh gets some stares because apart from his face and hands he is covered ! :) but he doesn't care, people always ask about them all and are interested. . People who don't like them never say anything anyway. Who cares.

Go and enjoy yourself.

TimeForAnotherNameChange · 21/10/2014 13:25

As others have said, and with all due respect, no one will actually care. They'll all be too wrapped up in their own little worlds to give a stuff about it. Honestly just go and get on with it Smile.

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