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Bley: Inaccuracies in letter about swimming in Sun City West

Posted

I am writing to correct inaccuracies in the letter (“Disagree about sharing lanes n pools,” Sun City West Independent, April 1, 2020) responding to a previous article (“Swimming with courtesy is the best choice,” Sun City Independent, March 18, 2020).

Although having one’s own lane while swimming may be preferable, the policy is that persons who wish to swim must share a lane if there is not an open one. It is not true that pools are designed to accommodate a single swimmer per lane. Pools have what is called maximum bather load, which is an algorithm based on the pool size and facility size. Maximum bather load is commonly posted on the wall of a swimming facility. This can be easily accessed on the Internet for a better understanding of pool capacity.

The choice of whether or not to swim rests with the person standing on deck. Likewise, it is the obligation of those already in the pool to accommodate additional swimmers. Again, if they choose not to do so, they have the option of exiting the pool.

I understand the frustration of those who feel they have  privileged status at a swimming facility. Persons utilizing the facility differently from what they are accustomed to may seem unacceptable and even disruptive. The truth is that all Sun City West residents have an equal right to use the facilities during open use hours.

As a lap swimmer of more than 45 years who is accustomed to public pools where up to five people are expected to share a lane, I know that I do not have the right to opine on others’ swimming habits. This includes when they are allowed to swim, where they may swim, how long or often they may swim, how they choose to swim and even why they are swimming. I do agree that this is all a question of respect and courtesy.

Linda Bley

Sun City West