Muslim swimmers asked to stay out of Delaware public pool

[left-of-center2012]

The head of an Arabic enrichment program said she and a group of children faced discrimination at public pool in Delaware after they were told to stay out of the water because of the clothes they were wearing. The children were wearing shirts, shorts and hijabs at the time, Ismaa’eel recalled. She said the pool manager informed her that it’s against city policy to allow cotton clothing in public pools, a rule that she claimed is “never enforced.”

“There’s nothing posted that says you can’t swim in cotton,” said Ismaa’eel, who wears a hijab with niqab to cover her face. “At the same time, there are other kids with cotton on.” She couldn’t help but wonder: “Why are my kids being treated differently?”

The pool manager ... “had a police officer come come over and ask what time we were leaving,” she told Delaware Online. “She said there are other people waiting to get in and you have to leave.” While it is typical for a city officer to be stationed outside the public pool, it’s unusual for them to enter the gates, she said. Ismaa’eel pointed out to the officer another summer camp had been at the pool much longer than her group. “We were approached first about the cotton, and then it became, ‘Oh, the pool is over capacity so you need to leave,’” she said. “I felt very unwanted.”

In a statement from Mayor Mike Purzycki’s office, his deputy chief of staff for policy and communication said the issue of cotton is a legitimate safety concern. When wet, the material can become heavy and weigh down young swimmers and it also “strains the pools filtration system.” That’s why there is a rule in place that “requires all swimmers to wear proper swimming attire.” According to state regulations, bathing suits are “recommended” when swimming at a public pool, Delaware Online reported. Neither the city nor the state specifically mention cotton in either of their regulations.

http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/ny-news-muslim-swimmers-asked-leave-pool-20180714-story.html

[LakeArenal]

1. Sheesh They don't even pretend anymore.

So disgusting. So men’s T-shirt’s aren’t cotton? Huh?

[brush]

2. WTF is with these racist whites and swimming pools?

Like no one else is good enough to swim in a pool with them.

How many incidents just this month have there been about racist whites trying force POCs out of swimming pools?

It's just water in a hole racists, nothing is going to happen but people getting wet and having a good time.

[pnwmom]

4. I don't think this is racist. I wanted one of my children to wear a t-shirt in an outdoor pool

Last edited Sun Jul 15, 2018, 12:16 AM - Edit history (1)

to protect against sunburn -- we're about as white as can be -- but found out that it is against the rules to wear cotton. Natural fibers can break off and clog the filtration systems. And there are other problems:

http://www.manassasparkcommunitycenter.com/why-you-cant-wear-street-clothes-in-the-swimming-pool-by-sarah-barnett/

Much like why showers are an important part of your PRE-Swim routine, by wearing a swim suit, you reduce the risk of contaminating the pool with waterborne illness and contaminants. Cotton and some other materials can hold detergents, germs, and bacteria in them, which can be released into the water. This can cause swimmers to get sick and even affect the water chemistry and clarity. Cotton also tends to absorb a lot of water and pool chemicals, requiring the pool to use more disinfectant. Additionally, when the cotton absorbs the pool water, it can become pretty heavy, which can weigh down swimmers and make swimming more difficult. Cotton T-shirts also tend not to fit tight to the body, which can increase your risk of underwater entrapment. Finally, cotton breaks down in the water, which clogs the pool filter system. Certain dyed material can also release some of the dye into the pool water, causing poor water clarity and water balance.

[pnwmom]

3. This isn't a discriminatory policy. It is true that cotton, wool, and other natural fibers can clog

up filtration systems. It is ALSO true that they sell clothing that would meet Muslim modesty requirements and is not made of natural fibers.

Muslim women, for example, can wear swim suits like this one, in polyester.

https://www.modanisa.com/en/navy-blue-burkini-sunmore-399907.html?&ship_to=38&refs=source&ref=269620&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIorfV5ZGg3AIVk8VkCh1lMAQnEAQYASABEgJrvfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CJy6yeiRoNwCFVGKfgodXT4H2g


ON EDIT:

From the District of Columbia, Parks and Recreation, why they require "proper swimming attire' and cotton isn't allowed. There are pictures on the site of proper, non-cotton swim attire.

https://dpr.dc.gov/release/dpr-releases-guidance-regarding-swim-attire-requirements-district-pools

(WASHINGTON, DC) – The DC Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) reminds patrons of the current DPR Swim Attire Requirements for all District pools; and provides a more illustrated guide.

The current requirements are as follows:

All persons on the pool deck and/or swimming in the pool must have on proper swim attire.

All infants/toddlers that require a diaper must wear swimmer diapers and proper swimwear.

Clean cotton t-shirts and sarongs are allowed on the pool deck, however patrons must have on proper swim attire underneath.

The following attire is not allowed at District pools:

"Street clothes," Brazil/French-cut, thong style and/or revealing swim wear, cut-off jeans, jeans, skirts, shorts, sport bras, leotards, leggings, dri-fit wear, compression shorts and compression shirts are prohibited. Underwear and undergarments are not allowed to be worn under swimsuits.

Pool patrons often ask, "Why do I have to wear proper swimwear?" Here are just a few reasons as to why it is important to only wear pool attire in the pool.

Street clothes (especially cotton) can transport airborne and ultimately water borne contaminants into the pool.


Lycra and Nylon are the best non-absorbent material for swimming and are the best fabrics for proper swim attire.


Other absorbent materials (such as cotton) can break down in the water and cause fibers to clog filters.


Any “colored” material (unless specifically made for swimming) can bleed into the pool, affecting water chemistry and balance. This is also a reason for turbidity in pools.


Cotton and similar materials can absorb the chemicals in the water, causing the water to become less effective at maintaining the proper chemical balance or may cloud the water.


(Please see photos below.)

[mikehiggins]

5. at one time boys used to swim nekkid in school and public pools

The fabric used in kid's swimwear, often cotton, would "shed" and screw up the filters big time. I started high school when this was being phased out in Yonkers, so that would be in 59 or so. As nylon, etc., got more widely used the problem was solved.

Believe me, if you are in a pool with thirty or forty young boys you REALLY want the filters to work. I don't know what the girls did but I doubt they were skinny-dipping despite us boy's fantasies.

So, anyway, concern over fabrics that "shed" is mostly legit in my opinion.