The Rec Center I occasionally swim at has starting blocks. I am aware that is a swim device that I am supposed to use once in awhile. The pool is very deep and used for daily swim team practice and some meets. Yet, there is always a bright yellow cone placed on the blocks during lap swimming hours. No one may use the starting blocks at this time. I find it irritating. No one could possibly get hurt unless they were especially idiotic. I guess they're worried about lawsuits. I saw someone doing backstroke starts once, but who wants to do those? This practice will discourage me from ever entering a non-OW event.
Parents
Former Member
Isn't this a meet rule, not a practice rule?
I'm not in favor of the "womb to tomb" protection that appears to dominate risk averse aquatic facilities or other aspects of life. (See, e.g., "Biggest Loser" thread) We should be able to sign ironclad, unambiguous waivers and do starts in unoccupied lanes. The waivers could include a waiver of counsel and all liability except in the event that the starting blocks are defective or defectively maintained. No minors allowed on blocks to prevent horseplay. There is a reason adults have more rights than minors, so I'm not worried about excluding them. Minors probably make up 1% of lap swimmers anyway.
What about the ocean? Don't they post big "Swim at your own risk" signs or red flags to indicate damgerous currents. People swim anyway. Pools could post big "adults signing ironclad, unambiguous waivers may dive at their own risk" signs. I'd just like to be able to practice a start if I'm not at an official masters practice.
I posted a thread with the title swim activists. the group MDSA had lobbied for years to open a state park lake for responsible adult swimming. they were successful to a point... negotiations with the state brought about a limited access agreement , requiring swimmers to have a buddy present, pass a swim test, and swim only during hours when lifeguards are on duty (though nowhere near the adult swim area).
check out the thread and the website linked.
also linked in the post your pool site. some of you folks may find it interesting.
Isn't this a meet rule, not a practice rule?
I'm not in favor of the "womb to tomb" protection that appears to dominate risk averse aquatic facilities or other aspects of life. (See, e.g., "Biggest Loser" thread) We should be able to sign ironclad, unambiguous waivers and do starts in unoccupied lanes. The waivers could include a waiver of counsel and all liability except in the event that the starting blocks are defective or defectively maintained. No minors allowed on blocks to prevent horseplay. There is a reason adults have more rights than minors, so I'm not worried about excluding them. Minors probably make up 1% of lap swimmers anyway.
What about the ocean? Don't they post big "Swim at your own risk" signs or red flags to indicate damgerous currents. People swim anyway. Pools could post big "adults signing ironclad, unambiguous waivers may dive at their own risk" signs. I'd just like to be able to practice a start if I'm not at an official masters practice.
I posted a thread with the title swim activists. the group MDSA had lobbied for years to open a state park lake for responsible adult swimming. they were successful to a point... negotiations with the state brought about a limited access agreement , requiring swimmers to have a buddy present, pass a swim test, and swim only during hours when lifeguards are on duty (though nowhere near the adult swim area).
check out the thread and the website linked.
also linked in the post your pool site. some of you folks may find it interesting.
