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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:
meltingmarshmallows · 23/08/2017 17:39

YANBU. I'm pregnant and need to do some low impact exercise for my pelvis. Took one look at the pool and decided against it until the Summer holidays are over.

I was surprised the pool with lanes was free for all to swim in, when there are dedicated kids pools with slides etc.

Eolian · 23/08/2017 17:42

YABU. If the pool is open to anyone, then anyone can use it as long as they are not breaking the rules. If you want lane swimming, you'll have to go to a pool that offers lane swimming.

Artisanjam · 23/08/2017 17:43

Can't you swim in a lane Marshmallows?

Piggywaspushed · 23/08/2017 17:44

marshmallows - aren't there antenatal swimming groups near you?

Doobigetta · 23/08/2017 17:45

I'm a head-up dry-hair breast-stroking lane swimmer. I use the local council leisure centre because the pool there is nicer, newer and cleaner than any of the private gyms. I find all of the following people VVVU:

  • People who do front crawl with awful technique so they splash more than necessary
  • People who do back crawl unbelievably slowly
  • People who don't understand our pool's lane etiquette
  • People who insist on sticking to THEIR LANE in the non-lane, open part of the pool
  • People who sit right next to you in the sauna instead of as far away as possible
  • People who make no effort whatsoever to move over a bit when passing in the lanes, and just barge on through
  • People who don't realise I've waited to let them go first because they're faster than me, and stop for a rest
  • People who are slower than me and stop for a rest until just before I reach the end

Basically, everyone in the pool who doesn't use it in exactly the same way I do Wink

afrikat · 23/08/2017 17:48

8am is pretty late for a before work swim in terms of when lanes might reasonably available. Most pools have lanes 6.30-7.30/8 as most people would be on their way to work by then so I understand why a pool might not have a lane at that time.
In terms of 'those mothers' some of them might have been up for hours at that point and desperately need to be out of the house (little else is open at 8am) or maybe they are squeezing in 30 minutes of bonding time before having to drop them in off at childcare. Tbh if it's an open swim session they have every right to be there. They might well be asking who 'those people' are who turn up to an open swim session and insist on swimming lengths then get annoyed at people in the way.

You should either find a way to go to the pool when they have lanes, move pools to one with lanes at 8am or find a new sport...

Love51 · 23/08/2017 17:51

I go to two different pools to do front crawl in goggles (I always wear goggles even having a splash with kids as I'm very shortsighted, so need prescription goggles or normal goggles over contact lenses).
Anyhow they are part of the same chain, yet they manage the lane swimming differently. So, consider trying different pools and sessions until you find one that meets your needs. I only did this by accident as the one further away is on the way to work. I love it now. There are lanes to suit you, most people know their best lane and in my front crawl / breast stroke mix and match lane, we are lovely and polite.

Original poster
littleemma1 · 23/08/2017 18:20

@noeffingidea you are so onto something there. Winner!

OP posts:
Nuttynoo · 23/08/2017 19:15

Be careful what you wish for. Most pools with lanes require a high level of endurance - my local pool for instance requires people to swim a minimum of 20 laps without stopping. If you do stop then you get kicked out.

AccrualIntentions · 23/08/2017 19:54

Nuttynoo I've literally never heard of a rule like that before, and I've swum at a lot of different pools. Shock I don't think it's the norm.

Flicketyflack · 23/08/2017 19:54

Why do you think you have more right to use the pool than a child? What next flights for adults only? Restaurants where only adults eat?

Are you sure you want children?

Flicketyflack · 23/08/2017 19:57

Meant to add I swim several times each week and there are really irritating adults that swim very slowly in the lane but I accept everyone is there to swim so swim around or swim outside the lane. You sounds very easily irritated and not very accommodating TBH.

Cherrytart6 · 23/08/2017 19:59

I agree. I think you should ask for a lane to be set up

krummymummy · 23/08/2017 20:00

If the pool is in a gym, I would agree. If public baths. Nah

lljkk · 23/08/2017 20:36

I WORK so I go to lanes at 6:30-7:30am or 8:30-9:30pm on weekdays. If any children are in the pool then, they're doing lanes, too, so all good.

cathf · 23/08/2017 20:37

I really struggle with people who, once they have children, seem unable to look at things from any other perspective than their precious offspring.
Yes, the OP is being u expecting the to have a relaxing child-free swim in the middle of the day in the school holidays in a public pool.
BUT, is it not a teeny bit entitled to shout her down because the children have as much right to be there? They will have PSID less or even nothing to swim, for a start.
What about the (much despised on MN) teenagers, splashing your little ones? They have as much right to be there too.
A little common sense all round would be a good thing.

cathf · 23/08/2017 20:38

Paid, not PSID obviously!

Chilver · 23/08/2017 21:03

We were swimming, in the big pool, at 8am this morning. If I want to swim before WORK I'd have to be going a hell of a lot earlier than 8am. My 5yo is a good swimmer, I am trying to get her to work on her stamina, so we go into the big lane pool. I pull her out of the way if she is unaware and swimming in someone else's path but other than that, she is swimming front crawl or backstroke alongside me for the length. I do give other adults priority where reasonable but we have paid to be there too. Yes, we are going slowly, and yes, we stop briefly half way so she can get her breath (it's 30m), but I hardly think a kids pool at 5x5m is going to help her swimming, do you? Not to mention we can't actually use it at all because it is booked every week at that time for crash courses for kids who can't yet swim!

volovont · 23/08/2017 21:04

Yabu

It's not your pool

Go swimming at 6am if you don't like it.

Mittens1969 · 23/08/2017 22:36

I don't try distance swimming during peak times, there are adults only swimming sessions when there are clear lanes provided.

So I understand where you're coming from but no, YABU, if it's general swimming then children are allowed to swim in the big pool. Some children are good swimmers and need the challenge of the big pool.

my2bundles · 24/08/2017 03:58

Cathf I pay more when I take my child swimming, full price for me and slightly less for my child. I am there to supervise my child not swim seriously myself so the centre is getting more money from me than a lone adult. That is why children are equally entitled to be there.

TrailingWife · 24/08/2017 04:38

totally disagree with you. Both my kids were competitive swimmers from a young age -- they swam seriously in pools. Adults screw around, stand and talk. Pool etiquette has nothing to do with age.

Go when they have lanes marked for swimming. Consider joining a "masters" swim group.

NotAgainYoda · 24/08/2017 06:49

cathf

My perspective is that some people are not able to see others' perspective pre- or post- children.

But most of us who have children have a balanced perspective, because we've experienced not having children, and realise when we've had them, that maybe we didn't know as much as we thought about children as we had thought.

NotAgainYoda · 24/08/2017 06:52

... extra words there. You get the gist Grin

Joey7t8 · 24/08/2017 08:50

People who do front crawl with awful technique so they splash more than necessary

That'll be people learning to swim front crawl then. It's not an easy technique, especially learning it as an adult, so I'm happy to cut these people slack.