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AIBU?

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Original poster

To find new swim lessons for DS because I don't want this app?

55 replies

GoodbyeLondon · 11/01/2023 20:00

My ds does swim lessons at our local pool. They used to just log you in and let you through the barriers when you got there. Their new policy as of this week is that you have to have an app and a QR code which you then scan to get in.

I don't want the app, but I obviously downloaded the thing anyway, because I want my ds to be able to go to his swim lessons. But then it wouldn't let me log in without first recording MY weight! I am a bit funny about personal data anyway and this felt so intrusive. What the hell does my weight have to do with my DC's swim lessons? I checked with leisure centre staff and this is essential to using the app. You cannot opt out and you have to input your weight (although I might input something ridiculous just for badness JOKING).

Am I being really precious? I don't like having a tonne of apps on my phone and this is the first time I've ever had someone say I can't go in somewhere without one. It's definitely the first time I've had to put in my weight.

It's just a normal leisure centre fwiw. It isn't a free service or anything. I pay a reasonable amount for the lessons.

DS likes his lessons but they aren't perfect (they're a bit negative about his efforts - he's only four) and I could theoretically find him another place for his lessons. I'm seriously considering it as I find this so odd and the staff have been so insistent about it. Sounds like an overreaction, but it's a combination of this and other issues.

Is this just the way it is these days? I can't say I'm a swim school expert so maybe it is

OP posts:
BigMadAdrian · 11/01/2023 20:02

That's ridiculous - I wouldn't like it either.

MolesOnPoles · 11/01/2023 20:03

Precious.

Its a stupid thing to ask, but if the lessons are good just stick in a random number.

If you want to change for other reasons go ahead, but don’t let this change things on it’s own.

Alloftheboys · 11/01/2023 20:03

I’d put in that I weigh 40 stone to mess up their data!
How has your weight got anything to do with your DS lessons? Very odd.

LlynTegid · 11/01/2023 20:05

Discrimination pure and simple. If the local authority runs the pool or contracts it out to a company, they are I am sure bound by the duties of the Equalities Act.

People with limited mobility, certain medical conditions and indeed those of certain ethnicities are more likely to be overweight. I'd also argue older parents are more likely to be heavier too.

PacificallyRequested · 11/01/2023 20:05

That is ridiculous and I wouldn't want to put my weight in either.
It's really poor user design and I would feed this back to the leisure centre and also the app developers if it's possible to find their details. I can understand that some people may find it useful to (presumably?) track their weight on a leisure app but it should be optional.

dementedpixie · 11/01/2023 20:05

Put in your child's weight instead or just make something up

Thelnebriati · 11/01/2023 20:05

GDPR rules are they shouldn't ask for data without a good reason so I think I'd challenge that.

ChristmasCakeAndStilton · 11/01/2023 20:06

That's ridiculous!

I reckon you weigh 456kg, btw.

Sparklesocks · 11/01/2023 20:07

Really OTT of them. Maybe if you were a member of the gym and they used your data for fitness plans etc, but I can’t see how it’s essential to have that info on parents bringing their child to swimming lessons.

NeverHadANickname · 11/01/2023 20:07

I wouldn't have a problem with the app but I wouldn't put my real weight in unless there was a reason for me to do so. Just put something really high or really low I'm.

SparePantsAndLego · 11/01/2023 20:07

I’d say it was discriminatory. What about people without smart phones?
I’d be complaining...

Hankunamatata · 11/01/2023 20:08

Just make a weight up

Raspberry290 · 11/01/2023 20:08

That is really weird. Did they give you a rationale for why they want the information?

StubbleAndSqueak · 11/01/2023 20:11

Just lie. It's not relevant to your child's swimming lesson

Original poster
GoodbyeLondon · 11/01/2023 20:11

My only concern if I put in something silly is that they'll stage some sort of intervention 😂

I did used to be a member of one of their other gyms, so it's possible they think I will want to track my weight? But this was on the account creation page - it was a mandatory field and it's a new account (I've had to set it up as they've got a new app). Even if I was a member though, I think it's bollocks to demand my weight. What if I was vastly overweight and trying to lose weight and go to the gym? I'd find that so intimidating that it's mandatory. Btw height was an optional field! Might add that I'm 6'8" or something and se if they challenge it...

OP posts:
IncessantNameChanger · 11/01/2023 20:11

Yes just in your 18 years old and weight 35 stone. The more crap data you put out their, the less your "big data" is worth. Next time say you weigh 5 stone. Bing dieter.

NuffSaidSam · 11/01/2023 20:12

Tell them you don't have a smart phone.

twoandcooplease · 11/01/2023 20:13

those of certain ethnicities are more likely to be overweight.

Which ethnicities?

Original poster
GoodbyeLondon · 11/01/2023 20:14

NuffSaidSam · 11/01/2023 20:12

Tell them you don't have a smart phone.

Omg yes. I'm doing this.

Sadly, I've had to get rid of my smart phone. Phone addiction is a killer you know. Almost as bad for my health as when I was 52 stone for half a day then 5 stone

OP posts:
namechangetheworld · 11/01/2023 20:14

If your son is happy with his lessons just enter a random weight and forget about it. Total non issue in my opinion.

clarrylove · 11/01/2023 20:15

Not everyone has a smart phone. Ask what the alternative is. If they don't have one they are being discriminatory.

keepaweatheredeye · 11/01/2023 20:15

Is it Places leisure? Their apps are also ridiculously hard to use.

Newusernameaug · 11/01/2023 20:15

Wow that’s ridiculous and I would stop going there and tell them why

Original poster
GoodbyeLondon · 11/01/2023 20:22

It isn't just the weight thing though as it has an activity tracker which has accused me of having low activity (because I don't log any activity on there). Stupid judgemental app {stuffs donut into face in fury} (JOKING). Might make up some very silly activities which I don't actually do and log them

OP posts:
UnshakenNeedsStirring · 11/01/2023 20:40

@LlynTegid What certain ethnicities are fatter than others?