I started diving off of starting blocks when I was eight years old. I am now 51, and train at the Y, almost always alone, as there is no Masters program in the county where I live, or in any of the immediately adjacent counties. (There are several age group programs.) I want to work on my starts, but none of the Y's where I swim will let me use the blocks - saying that a national Y policy prohibits anyone from using the blocks unless a team/club coach is on the deck.
I have never heard of anyone suing a YMCA because of an accident on a starting block.
Yes, perhaps a coach would be valuable to me in this regard, but I'm not looking for a coach - I need and want a cooperative facility. The age groups' program schedules are not conducive to my schedule, and besides, the age group coaches already have enough on their hands during those times with lanes full of kids working their programs. I also am not excited about having to dodge those kids to do the work I need to do.
Anyone find a way to conquer this litigation-fear-induced insanity yet? Thank you.
Parents
Former Member
I have the same problem for awhile. then I just made sure that I swam when the Aquatic Director wasn't at the pool. I asked the guards & if no one else is in the lanes, they let me use the blocks. It is a weird olicy. and it is suppose to be upheld at all Y's. I've experienced it in almost every Y I've ever swam in. In the 80's the Corporate Y in downtown DC was terrible about it. They almost took my membership away.
Craig J.
I have the same problem for awhile. then I just made sure that I swam when the Aquatic Director wasn't at the pool. I asked the guards & if no one else is in the lanes, they let me use the blocks. It is a weird olicy. and it is suppose to be upheld at all Y's. I've experienced it in almost every Y I've ever swam in. In the 80's the Corporate Y in downtown DC was terrible about it. They almost took my membership away.
Craig J.
