Swimsuit Policy Question

Kids Playing on a splash pad

Hope you are having a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend and opening has gone smoothly!

A few times this weekend we have had patrons wearing extra, “cheeky,” swimsuit bottoms. We are a family facility, but we don’t have an actual written policy on what kind of swimsuits are permitted, other than the fact that a suit with a hygienic liner must be worn at all times.

Forgive me if this has been asked before, but does anyone have a written policy on this that you would be willing to share? People have different ideas of, “appropriate,” and we want to maintain consistency.

Thanks in advance and have a wonderful rest of the weekend!

Anastasia Bradley, AFO, CPO
Aquatics Supervisor, Hilliard Recreation and Parks

4 Comments

  1. Patti Welker says:

    We do not have specific written policy except that is must be swim attire. I’m guessing this is going to become an issue because even the guard suits are becoming higher cut for the girls.

    I have a question for everyone. Especially if you offer water Zumba. A student in the shallow water Zumba uses a deep water buoyancy belt to “keep her back stabilized” during the workout. My certified instructor told her she is going to injure herself and this class is not for her. The participant has been exercising in shallow water classes using this equipment for years.

    My question to you all is, 1) if there is no policy from Zumba stating no equipment is to be used and 2) the participant signs a waiver stating they recognize the physicality of the class. Does the instructor have a right to exclude a patron from the class based on what they think could happen to the patron?

    The instructor says as a facility we need to respect her in telling the patron that this class is not right for her if she has such a delicate back. I say , we are not doctors or physical therapist, we can tell the patron we do not recommend using the belt for this class but if you and your doctor feel it’s appropriate for you then that is what is important.

    Patti Welker, Aquatic Supervisor
    Strongsville Parks, Recreation & Senior Services

  2. bburns@twinsburg.oh.us says:

    Patti,

    I would agree with you, we are not doctors or physical therapists. If the participant feels more comfortable w/ a water belt so be it. If she and her physician are comfortable than wear the waterbelt all day every day.

    BATHING SUITS:

    We expect the suit cover the rear end and if we have issues we politely ask that folks “please fix your suit to ensure coverage” or “or please use a cover up” as we ae a family facility.

    Branden Burns, Aquatics & Cafe Manager
    City of Twinsburg

  3. cwooddell@cityofoxford.org says:

    The swimsuit question seems difficult to address specifically. I suppose you could incorporate a policy against thong bottoms to help. However, if you’re going to attempt to control how much ‘cheek’ is showing, are you also going to control how much cleavage is showing? I don’t have a great answer. Our policy simply states “proper swim attire.”

    Something like this may give a little leverage when necessary: “All guests should wear appropriate, proper swim attire. Swim attire should entirely cover personal areas to maintain a family-friendly environment.”

    Would be interested to learn if anyone has a policy or method that’s been successful on this issue.

    Casey Wooddell, Director
    Oxford Parks & Recreation

  4. jr.fourqurean@westerville.org says:

    We have also experienced the “cheeky” swimsuit issue at our facilities. During our research we found that the policy Ohio State has in place does a really nice job of detailing what is appropriate when it comes to swimsuit attire. Best of luck!
    https://recsports.osu.edu/posts/documents/aq-natatorium-rules-regulations.pdf

    J.R. Fourqurean, Development Specialist
    City of Westerville Parks and Recreation

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