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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

... to think children should not be allowed in the main pool?

227 replies

littleemma1 · 23/08/2017 10:24

So, I have recently taken up swimming in the past couple of weeks (which I am really enjoying and finding I'm getting fitter already!) but I've noticed something that's really bugging me already... children being allowed to mess around in the main pool when it's full of people actually trying to swim.
Now I know the MN jury will most likely SLATE me for this as I will openly admit I do not have children yet (notice the YET, actively trying, that's a different thread!) so I probably come across as biased.
I hasten to add that there are 3 other children's pools at said swimming centre. Admittedly the biggest of the three is closed at the times I've been going for private swimming lessons but that's still leaves another 2!
So, why do the parents stand there letting their beloved children splash around, swimming right across other people's paths, and say/do nothing?! Surely they should have some consideration for other swimmers who are there to SWIM (yes swim, in a swimming pool) but it would seem not.
I honestly think the pool could/should bring in a policy for adults only in the main pool during peak times for example first thing in the morning (for the people who need to go to work, like me) or last thing in the evening when most children would be in bed?
There are other things that annoy me about pool etiquette like people who refuse to swim around you and think they have the almighty right to swim in a straight line, people who get in the pool and then don't swim, just standing at the sides, I could go on forever but I won't.

So, after that rant, AIBU?

OP posts:
Dlpdep · 23/08/2017 10:26

I'm not sure that swimming is the right sport for you.

orlantina · 23/08/2017 10:26

Our main pool has 2 sections - one for people trying to swim and the other for people just enjoying the water.

Maybe that's the way to go?

Artisanjam · 23/08/2017 10:27

Are there any lanes sessions? Those are usually adults only and you are nbu if there are children swimming between lanes during those sessions.

If there aren't lane sessions, can you ask for them?

If it's just a general swim session then YABU.

AlpacaLipsNow · 23/08/2017 10:27

Most pools put a lane in. Why not check times or days when they do?

YABU by the way. The world doesn't revolve around you and it's the school holidays.

converseandjeans · 23/08/2017 10:27

It's the school.holidays. Once term starts you won't have a problem.

redexpat · 23/08/2017 10:28

Well YANBU to want to use the pool for swimming but they are equally entitled to use it for what they want. YANBU to request that they have adult only swiming times, although I would check if this is the case during term time. It might just be because of the summer holidays.

NannyR · 23/08/2017 10:28

The pools near where I live have various different sessions, such as lane swimming, general swim session and family fun sessions with floats etc. I go swimming after 8pm and never have a problem with children, it's just adults swimming in fast, medium or slow lanes.

orlantina · 23/08/2017 10:29

Once term starts you won't have a problem

Don't mention the school groups Grin

inchyrablue · 23/08/2017 10:29

YABU. Go to a lanes session, or get your own pool.

AvoidingCallenetics · 23/08/2017 10:29

I agree with you. My local pool has family swim times, so you know it's going to be full of kids and adult only sessions, for proper swimmers.
If there are children's pools available, then it seems reasonable to have a pool for people who want to swim properly.

orlantina · 23/08/2017 10:30

There are other things that annoy me about pool etiquette like people who refuse to swim around you and think they have the almighty right to swim in a straight line, people who get in the pool and then don't swim, just standing at the sides

Well, that's a whole new thread Grin

mrbob · 23/08/2017 10:31

I think pools should have lanes separated off for lap swimming only (with no kids playing obviously). And then a general area for pottering. When I left the UK it seemed very averse to this idea but it seems fairly straightforward. In Australia I am very much in love with the very serious swimming etiquette and I feel it should be adopted worldwide. Slow, medium and fast lanes. Swim clockwise only. If you are going faster than the person in front you overtake. If you are much slower you try and let people over take when you get to the end. If you want to drift around you go in the non-laned-off half of the pool. Easy

So no YANBU. Would drive me nuts

Shoxfordian · 23/08/2017 10:31

I agree with you but I'd have thought there would be adult only or lane swim times?

SuburbanRhonda · 23/08/2017 10:32

Don't mention the school groups

School groups are lessons - the children are supervised by a swimming teacher and are
not allowed to just play around wherever they want.

Witchitywoo · 23/08/2017 10:32

I feel your pain OP. But our local pool has a different schedule depending on whether it's term time or not and they take into account both serious swimmers and those that want to play. Ring them up to find out the best times for your particular needs.

pinkiepie1 · 23/08/2017 10:33

Our local pool has adult only/ female only/ oap only usually first thing and late at night.

But I do know that in school holidays they don't have sessions, if u want to swim and swim be there really early other wise you do have kids left right and centre.

Luckily for you, you only have to wait 2 week and then you'll get to swim peacefully again.

Original poster
littleemma1 · 23/08/2017 10:34

There aren't any lane sessions as they have half of the pool closed as well for adult life guard sessions.
I do check times, but I WORK, therefore am limited to the times I can go.
I completely understand everyone is entitled to use the pool but is it really too much to ask parents to control their children when people are swimming for fitness?

OP posts:
Original poster
littleemma1 · 23/08/2017 10:35

Hopefully it's just because it's school holidays, the times may change when kids go back as the pool only gives out a two week timetable

OP posts:
FabulouslyGlamorousFerret · 23/08/2017 10:36

'Adult only' times annoy me, my 12 year old DD came with me to a 'Lane only' swim session a couple of times, she was self conscious and wanted to get fitter so we just swam quietly up and down, enjoying the peace and quiet. A woman kept hugging at us each time she swam past, on the way out we were asked not to come again as 'lane only' is apparently a euphemism for 'no kids'! We had swum 25 lengths without a word, I was so cross 👎🏻

Shoxfordian · 23/08/2017 10:36

It probably is a school holiday issue

I don't think you're unreasonable to expect parents to control their children though

Original poster
littleemma1 · 23/08/2017 10:38

FabulouslyGlamorousFerret that is unreasonable, that's probably more than what I manage at the moment!

OP posts:
ttcnovice · 23/08/2017 10:41

YANBU and I agree with you - if there are specific children's pools available, then surely they could/should use them.

I'd speak to the manager and request a lane to be put in, even if it's just at certain times (like as you said before work, or late night etc).

Original poster
littleemma1 · 23/08/2017 10:42

inchyrablue Obviously I would go to a lane session if they had them and believe you me, if I could afford my own pool I'd not be complaining about it would I.
Dlpdep why, because I'm asking people to have some manners and consideration towards other people? I thought the UK was meant to be known for this but I must be wrong 🤔

OP posts:
MrMessy · 23/08/2017 10:42

There are other things that annoy me about pool etiquette like people who refuse to swim around you and think they have the almighty right to swim in a straight line, people who get in the pool and then don't swim, just standing at the sides, I could go on forever but I won't.

But they have as much right to use the pool as you do. Why should it automatically be the other person that moves to accommodate you? You seem very entitled.

And what is with the WORK in capital letters? Do you think that you working gives you more rights, you know loads of other people work too , right? This is reminding me of that workzilla thread!

onlyjustme · 23/08/2017 10:43

Maybe suggest to the pool owners that they could have different sessions for different needs?

Our pool has a range of different things including "adults only" sessions. But this still gets mis-interpreted, one couple seemed to think that it meant something different to steady swimming up and down... {shudder}

Even lane swimming has problems.
People in the middle lane who are clearly in the "wrong" lane.
Ask yourself:
"Am I constantly being overtaken"?
Yes - move to the SLOW lane
No - ask yourself "Am I constantly overtaking people?"
Yes - move to the fast lane
No - stay here.
And it's supposed to be relaxing!!!!

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