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
Were kids whacking each other with them?
Hey, I hear you on that one. The pool I swim at has no such devices but the pool/tennis club we hang out at during summer months has them all over the place. Invariably, the bigger kids will attempt to show how strong they are by slapping these things into the water and trying to cut the pool in half. I dread the day another youngster gets in the way of one of these things, especially if it's one of my own.
I should add that the lifeguards are usually pretty good about stopping this activity when the pool is crowded but as you all know, accidents do happen regardless of how careful you might be.
Were kids whacking each other with them?
Hey, I hear you on that one. The pool I swim at has no such devices but the pool/tennis club we hang out at during summer months has them all over the place. Invariably, the bigger kids will attempt to show how strong they are by slapping these things into the water and trying to cut the pool in half. I dread the day another youngster gets in the way of one of these things, especially if it's one of my own.
I should add that the lifeguards are usually pretty good about stopping this activity when the pool is crowded but as you all know, accidents do happen regardless of how careful you might be.
