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.
For clarification purposes, there were no kids wacking each other - my kids are 5, 6, & 7 (yes) - they were sharing the noodles & balls with the other kids, I am a coach, lifeguard, instructor, etc. and I was in the pool right next to the open swim area (swimming laps). I can see below, hear above, see above and was paying attention to my kids & all the other participants in the pool (occupational hazard that never goes away).
By the way, my kids can swim all 4 competitive strokes and I can get to any spot in the pool
please guys - I'm in the middle of a nasty divorce and I've had enough of attorneys and their sharkish nature - no more esquire talk - my blood pressure and anxiety attacks . . .
For clarification purposes, there were no kids wacking each other - my kids are 5, 6, & 7 (yes) - they were sharing the noodles & balls with the other kids, I am a coach, lifeguard, instructor, etc. and I was in the pool right next to the open swim area (swimming laps). I can see below, hear above, see above and was paying attention to my kids & all the other participants in the pool (occupational hazard that never goes away).
By the way, my kids can swim all 4 competitive strokes and I can get to any spot in the pool
Your children are wonderfull, here at the pool at Laguna del Tule it is bedlum with the noodles. Kids slamming each other and even fist fights amongst the kids breakout. I saw 5 of them the other day and they were not fooling, trying to hurt each other and the parents watching and laughing.
...and then they sent for the water cannon...
:help:
.
You guys are really big on lifeguard bashing ...:thhbbb:
I put myself through college (partly) by renting beach equipment on Clearwater Beach (FL). I only once saw a Tower Jockey get off her butt to go get someone in "trouble." The trouble swimmer came back just fine. A second life guard had to go get the first one.:applaud:
I was just joshing and being my now sharkish self, although I don't want to cause our new mermaid any more anxiety!! :) I guarded a lot when young and sometimes had trouble keeping the eyes open. On the other hand, I have seen them fish swimmers out of the ocean who wandered in too far and got caught in tides a couple times. Sometimes there's nothing they can do if swimmers choose to swim during red flag times though. Maybe Jesse can give us his opinion of ocean guarding.
I would be without dear Mrs Stud and subsequent little Studs if she'd not been rescued at Coney Island when she was a teen. Now why she decided to go into the ocean and not be able to swim I don't know. She still is not happy about water, and even got all squrimy watching The Perfect Storm and The Guardian.
So at least I know if I need to get away for a bit I can head to the pool ;)
Yes waving your noodle is always dangerous...especially if it's frozen, like the ones found in Canada!
:D
Are you going to sit back and take that kind of abuse now Peter?!...and from a Britboy at that LOL!
Newmastersswimmer
p.s. Rich I'm suprised your wife had time to squirm during the Guardian...I was too busy laughing my *** off at the cheesey script / acting to have any time for squirming LOL!
I was just joshing and being my now sharkish self, although I don't want to cause our new mermaid any more anxiety!! :) I guarded a lot when young and sometimes had trouble keeping the eyes open. On the other hand, I have seen them fish swimmers out of the ocean who wandered in too far and got caught in tides a couple times. Sometimes there's nothing they can do if swimmers choose to swim during red flag times though. Maybe Jesse can give us his opinion of ocean guarding.
Fort:
I know, I'm goofin' too. But Clearwater Beach is like a pool missing a wall. Its dead calm and you'd have to swim 100m to get over your head. Next best thing to paradise!!! and its my home town!:groovy:
