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
My pool's open swim allows noodles and only noodles - no kickboards or any other floaties. The deep end (>4 feet) is sectioned off. They also force kids to pass a simple swim test before entering the deep end.
All seems to work out, except I wish they would ban just one word:
"MARCO . . . ."
My pool's open swim allows noodles and only noodles - no kickboards or any other floaties. The deep end (>4 feet) is sectioned off. They also force kids to pass a simple swim test before entering the deep end.
All seems to work out, except I wish they would ban just one word:
"MARCO . . . ."
