At the swimming baths today.......

[Rodeo]

Dd1 (6) learnt to swim without armbands last weekend while we were away but with a mask and snorkel. She brought the mask only (couldn't find the snorkel, typically) but she didn't use it and left them at the side of the pool. When she collected them on the way out trailing behind dp and ds (I was already out getting baby dd2 dried off) a lifeguard told her that masks weren't allowed. She didn't tell us til we were in the car and now I've come home and thought about it I want to know why not, or if she's got it wrong. Also a bit that they approached her not us and it left her feeling uncomfortable. Might ring the baths tomorrow..........

The mask is just glorified goggles really with an extra bit to cover her nose and there were loads of kids wearing goggles....

Sorry, that should be 'also a bit they approached her not us'

I think it is due to the fact that diving masks can have glass in them - they are usually banned from public swimming sessions.

Would definitely have been peeved if lifeguard had spoken to dd if you were close, but it sounds as if there wasn't an adult with her... It could just have been the case that the lifeguard hadn't realised that they were yours.

Hmmm maybe, dd,ds and dp got out of the pool together (it wasn't busy either) but she lagged a bit while picking her things up, so he wasn't far in front. And they were pretty cheapo looking things, not sure you'd mistake them for glass ones, hmmmmm

No, I appreciate that they're not glass , but I think that is why most swimming pools have the rule. It is easier to ban all masks than to inspect each one individually...

Yes sorry, I see what you mean, thanks :)

We bought my daughter a mask on holiday a couple of years ago, and when she tried to wear in a local pool one of the pool attendants stopped her. She said it was beacause it covered the nose that it wasn't allowed - but surely they would let a kid in wearing noseclips !?

Find out precisely why she wasn't allowed. I've had masks kicked off my face, dive kit thrown on top of them and allsorts of abuse and haven't seen one break yet. I can understand the nose cover thing as I may cause problems for ressucitation (sp).