Recently, my home YMCA has decided to band the use of Noodles during family/open swim times. They cite the floating foam (which can be used as a reaching assist, be used as an instructional aid, fun "thingy", etc. if used properly) as a "safety hazard". Not only is the ban news to me, so is the "hazard" label. Our pool always has at least 2 lifeguards (for a 6 lane, 25 yd pool) during the open swim times and requires that parents/guardians remain in the immediate area - if not in the pool - with their children.
I think my aquatics department has been hijacked by two non-swimmers who are too busy making up crimes to focus on real issues such as inceased times/lanes for competitive swimmers, monitoring pool temps & chemicals, etc.
My questions are:
How many other facilities have banned such fun floating objects?
What types/kinds of accidents have you experienced with the Noodle?
Do you think they have a basis for their decision?
ps. The facility stocks and uses the banned items during swim lessons and exercise classes.
Parents
Former Member
Didn't they tell you that you could shoot your eye out with one of those things? Oh, wait... that's a Red Ryder BB gun that does that....
Although it's annoying to bump into one when you are swimming laps, it's a bit hard to see them as a danger. I mean, they are soft, have no sharp edges, can't drag you to the bottom, and WON'T shoot your eye out.
-LBJ
Didn't they tell you that you could shoot your eye out with one of those things? Oh, wait... that's a Red Ryder BB gun that does that....
Although it's annoying to bump into one when you are swimming laps, it's a bit hard to see them as a danger. I mean, they are soft, have no sharp edges, can't drag you to the bottom, and WON'T shoot your eye out.
-LBJ
