To not go swimming until September

[Emeraldiisland]

DS has autism and his needs are quite complex. There are lots of activities he just doesn't enjoy. The one thing he really loves is swimming and we go 5x a week normally.
As he's on a reduced timetable I usually take him early afternoon when it's quiet. Obviously a bit busier now as it's the school holidays.
Went swimming today and DS was jumping about and he was swinging his arms. There was a couple there with their grandchild. DS splashed the grandad and may have knocked him with his hand. I apologised instantly and this man was ridiculous. Said I shouldn't bring my child swimming if I can't control him (bearing in mind we were in the small pool so quite a few children splashing. I apologised again and said he's autistic. This man snapped that was no excuse and every badly behaved child has autism these days.
I ignored him after that and he left quite soon after. His reaction seems OTT I have been bumped by kids and DS has bumped in to other people. Usually parents just apologise and that's it.
I suffer from low confidence and self esteem and the whole incident has put me off talking him swimming again in the holidays.
DH normally takes him swimming on the weekend so he will still get some pool time.
I don't want to deprive DS of something he loves but it's fucking hard being judged by strangers. How do you react when you get bumped by a young child in the small pool? Would I be really unreasonable to not take him swimming until September? I feel I should just ignore the twat and carry on but I'm worried about a similar incident happening.

If a child bumped into me in the pool and the parent was apologetic, I’d smile and say don’t worry about it.
Please don’t let this experience put you off. I’ll bet that for every twattish man, there’s been 10 people who have been nice to you.

You could get him a social story. I actually think a lot of the blokes in the 50 plus session in my pool need it.

Social stories can help children understand personal space expectations in a swimming pool environment. These stories can explain that while swimming is fun, it's important to be mindful of others' space and avoid bumping or splashing them unnecessarily. The stories should also emphasize that it's okay to ask for more space if feeling crowded and that lifeguards are there to help ensure everyone's safety and comfort.

Here's a breakdown of what a social story about personal space in a swimming pool might include:

1. Setting the Scene:

The pool is a fun place: Introduce the idea that swimming pools are exciting places for swimming and playing.

Lots of people might be there:Explain that many people enjoy swimming, so the pool can get crowded.

1. Personal Space Matters:

Everyone has their own space: Explain that even in a crowded pool, each person has an invisible bubble of personal space.

Be mindful of others:
Encourage children to be aware of their surroundings and avoid bumping into other swimmers or splashing them excessively.

Ask for space if needed:
If a child feels crowded or uncomfortable, they can ask for more space or move to a less crowded area.

Respect others' space:
Emphasize that if someone asks for more space, it's important to give it to them.

1. Safety and Support:

Lifeguards are there to help:Explain that lifeguards are trained to ensure everyone's safety and can help if someone needs more space or assistance.

Follow instructions: Remind children to listen to the lifeguard's instructions, as they are there to help keep everyone safe.

Walking, not running: Reinforce the importance of walking in the pool area to prevent accidents.

1. Positive Reinforcement:

Fun and safe swimming: Highlight that by being mindful of personal space, everyone can have a fun and safe time swimming.

Happy swimmers:
Explain that when children are respectful of each other's space, everyone feels happy and comfortable in the pool.

1. Example Scenario:

"When I go swimming, I will try to be aware of where other people are in the pool. I will try not to bump into them or splash them too much. If I feel like someone is too close to me, I can ask them to move over a little. If I need help, I can ask the lifeguard. It's important to be respectful of other people's space so that everyone can have fun and be safe!"

What a rude, ignorant man. I’d have a comeback ready incase you see him again.