Pool Discrimination

We have community pools in our Homeowner's association. Each pool has lap lanes and the lap lanes are designated for swimmers. There are many who walk in the lanes for exercise at the request of their doctors and many who do it for exercise because of arthritis, arthroscopic knee surgery, blockage in the legs and heart problems or to prevent these things. In order to get the resistance they need from the water to exercise while walking, they have to walk in the lanes with the deeper water. The shallower side does nothing for them. The water does not injure since there is no impact such as walking on concrete or a walking track. These are serious walkers. Whenever a swimmer comes to the pool, they immediately tells the walker to leave the lane because they want it. Is this not a form of discrimination since the walker has a right to exercise just as the swimmer does? There are signs up on the side of the pool that says for lap swimmers only. We all pay for the pool and should not have to be discriminated against since we are walkers instead of swimmers. When the lanes are busy, we wait our turn. Shouldn't the swimmers have to do the same? Is this not a form of discrimination?

Gloria,
Why can't they have a hour or so a day for exercise and the same for swimming laps. I would venture to say the majority neither swim laps or exercise. I know it worked here for years.

Hi MargaretC1: Our Senior Community has two pools; one is designated a "Lap Pool," but is used 3 days a week for water aerobic classes, held from 5:pm to 6:pm. The Lap swimmers know the schedule, and simply go to the pool earlier in the day, or after the aerobic classes are over. I agree that your situation could be considered a form of discrimination, however, it is not unlawful discrimination. Perhaps your BOD should discuss designating a time for the walkers to use the pool, and post the time at the pool.

Hi all, Thanks for the input but I should explain further. We have three pools with lap lanes, one indoor and two outdoor. We are an adult community. We have another pool used by grandkids. It is difficult to designate a certain time because of the activities going on and because of the summer heat. We live in the desert. My feeling is that we all pay dues that maintain all the facilities and whether we exercise by swimming or by walking or running, there should be no discrimination who uses the lap lanes for exercise. It's all exercise. The swimmers have actually gotten nasty and have the gym sports monitor come out to tell us to get out of the lap lanes and go to the shallow end to do the exercises. And, they will call security to back them up.

In order to walk in the pool and receive the benefit of the exercise, one has to walk in deep water chest high to get the resistance the higher water gives. This I learned in physical therapy after my back operation. I've actually seen a swimmer jump in a lane someone was walking in and start swimming, sending the walker out. There are small plaques on the wall at both ends of the lap lanes that say, "Lap lanes for lap swimmers only."

When I had my back operation I had to exercise in the pool with a back brace on and I was told to get out of the lap lane. The head of the sports facilities here told me to write a letter about it and he would take it to the sports committee and I would receive an answer. I did write a letter and handed it to him and saw him read it. I never received an answer. My husband and I will ask to meet with the assistant head of the sports facility. I'm told he is very fair mined and my complaint will not be buried. The only other thing I can do is take it to our Association Board but I want to go through channels first at this time.

Not all swimmers are nasty. Some will wait until a lane is open. When all lanes are full with walkers or swimmers, we wait until one opens up. But, since it is designated for "swimmers only" and the pool is for all of us, then this is blatant descrimination against those who do not swim laps. Exercise is exercise. All our dues go to maintaining all the common facilities. The homes and landscaping are owned and maintained by the individual homeowners.

MargaretC1: It is apparent that the 'swimmers' are taking the sign which states 'Lap Lanes for Lap Swimmers Only' literally and are using that to ignore those who want to use these lanes for their exercise.

IMHO, you and others who want to use the lap lanes for your exercise in deep water need to speak to the Sports Committee to request a period of time be set aside for you. Whether you agree to a 15-30 min. period out of an hour in the morning, afternoon, evening, or something else, the pool is being funded by all residents, and all residents should have a time period available to them for their use, especially if its for physical therapy for health and wellness. Once a time is designated, then an additional sign needs to be posted next to the present 'lap lane sign'.

We all need to learn to be tolerant of others and their needs, and never more than in a community. Obviously, with 3 pools at your disposal, an agreeable time for all can worked out.

I neglected to mention the following: Many of you have suggested certain times for swimmers and certain times for walkers. My question is this -- Why should there be any rule at all that states that the the lap lanes are for swimmers only? The rule should state that the lap lanes are for exercisers. When there is no rule, people take turns. A board can be put up as it is in the gym to sign up for using the exercise machines. We take turn on the weights in the gym with no problems because the weights or machines are not designated for a certain group of people. That is why I feel there is discrimation against those who are not lap swimmers. Remember this is an adult community and some because of heart conditions cannot take the swimming but can certainly walk to get exercise without the impact on joints, etc. We all pay the same dues. In the summer, because of the heat, most people exercise in the pool in the very early morning or in the evening in the pools.

Thank you for your replies. Yesterday, I spoke to the assistant head of the sports facilities and he has urged me to request a rule change. He has had to deal with these conflicts with others and encouraged me to fill out a request for a rule change. He said he has sought other ways around this but they do not work. Requesting this will not necessarily mean it will be changed but this is a first step. I also have a right to be present when the committee meets to discuss this. I have a right to speak at that time. He encouraged me to bring any support in the form of doctors letters, etc. I will do this. I will not be able to do it in September because on the 6th my husband will undergo major surgery that is risky because of his heart, so since I have enough on my plate at this time, I was encouraged to submit the request at the end of September for the October meeting. This I will do. In the meantime, I will request letters from doctors. Should this rule change request be denied, I can then take it to the Association Board. By the way, the swimmer's in the lap lanes are not always swimmer's doing laps. I can walk faster than some of them can swim. Again, my question is why do swimmers have exclusive rights to the laps! I will keep you all posted but most likely that will not be until October. Thanks again.

Thanks Paul. I've already starting doing that. I'm also going to get signatures on a clipboard of others who want the rule changed. Will keep you posted.