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
When I lifeguarded I did not let anyone who could not swim without a noodle, ring, or whatever in water deeper than they could stand in. I worked a public pool, 6 lane 50 meter,in the summer and a indoor comunity pool 6 lane 25 meter in the winter. I most of my saves are of little kids who have noodles etc in areas that are 5' - 6' deep, they think they can stand and can't then panic sets in. Having said that there is no reason to ban them just have the guards do their job and moniter how they are used.
Got Boost
When I lifeguarded I did not let anyone who could not swim without a noodle, ring, or whatever in water deeper than they could stand in. I worked a public pool, 6 lane 50 meter,in the summer and a indoor comunity pool 6 lane 25 meter in the winter. I most of my saves are of little kids who have noodles etc in areas that are 5' - 6' deep, they think they can stand and can't then panic sets in. Having said that there is no reason to ban them just have the guards do their job and moniter how they are used.
Got Boost
