Swimming pool closing on us

[Gushpanka]

My Dd is 4 and has a swimming lesson 17.30-18.00 at our local pool. It's the last lesson of the day and public swimming ends quite a bit earlier.

They expect us out by 18.15 and staff will stand over us, hurrying us up if we go over. I find it quite stressful and, try as I might, I can't be be out within 15 minutes (unless we skip showering which I don't want to do).

First of all, lesson ends and then have to get kids out the pool. The complex is big so we have to go up a flight of stairs to the showers, along a long corridor and down two flights to the team changing room and then up a flight of stairs to the exit.

I have to shower DD and wash her hair (just a quick wash, no conditioning etc). Then down to changing room (wrapped in towel of course). Then quick moisturize (can't skip as she has dry skin but literally dry her and slather it on as quick as possible), then get her dressed. Obviously no time for hair drying so I bring a balaclava for her (we bike so I would much rather dry her hair). Then coats, boots, winter gear etc.

I never manage in 15 mins. Some of the others do but DD is the youngest in the class and, well, I guess we're just not as fast as others.

But AIBU to think 15 minutes to be out the door after a swimming lesson is too little time? I annoys me that they don't seem to leave enough time but maybe we're just too slow?

So the showers are put there for decoration so let me guess, you also use the cafe, sauna, water slides?? Just because it’s provided does not mean you have to use it. Yes there are facilities but you wouldn’t go in the sauna 2 mins before closing time

Contract won’t say anything about toilets either but it’s pretty normal to expect to have them and to be expect to be able to use them. And lockers and benches and showers and hairdryers and all the standard facilities that are required after a swimming session.

Ah sorry, I misunderstood. (It sounds like a stunningly badly designed leisure centre!)

The main point still stands though- I'd use the public changing room next to the showers regardless of the email. I bet the staff will leave you in peace there for a bit longer while they close down the team changing rooms.

Put your DD in a onesie and ablute leisurely at home.

The most important thing is your DD enjoys her swimming lessons and learning to swim is a positive, never stressful experience.

Ask the management in writing to explain why there is insufficient time for a quick shower?
Contact a local paper with the response.

They agreed to half an hour (by email) and said tbeyll let the the 2 life guards (who close up) know. We'll see what happens on Sunday...

Hi OP, i'm apparently going to go against the grain here but no, I don't think you're unreasonable at all. There can't be a single child in the class that leaves with dry hair, in the middle of winter, that's just not on. They've scheduled the class not you, ergo they should be allowing ample time to be prepared to leave. And I can't believe people are accusing you of taking the piss for putting a bit of moisturiser on. If your daughter has bad skin she needs it. Complain to the centre and try to get it moved to half 6.

Glad they’ve listened, OP :)

Well done!

The swimming pool sounds rubbish. If they want people to pay for lessons the centre should be open at least 30 minutes after the last one ends. Swimming lessons cost a small fortune. I'd complain or find somewhere else.

Well done, OP. Hope it's more relaxed for you after the next lesson.

My son has particularly bad eczema. If we go swimming He has to be showered and washed properly head to toe with a soap substitute there and then and moisturised straight away after or his skin will flair up immediately. We can’t wait to get home. That’s pretty grim anyway. And grim of the pool staff to expect it. If they have a lesson that finishes at a certain time they need to give you reasonable time after. Would they do the same to someone elderly or disabled? I would complain and if it carries on go elsewhere.

Oops just seen your update. Well done op.

Plenty of time; just get her dry and dressed and shower and moisturise at home. simples

I think sometimes we go along with rules that don’t seem fair because we’re taught not to question. Venues sometimes impose these rules without any real thought and think all is well because nobody says otherwise. This is a prime example of how polite communication is key!

Blimey, I wouldn’t be able to do all that in 15 mins!

Some of you must be super speedy.