From China’s bizarre facekini trend to choosing the correct swimming pool lane, taking a dip is more complicated than it looks. Read up on our guide to swimming pool etiquette and avoid making a faux pas.
Dubai
While it’s fine to parade around your hotel pool in an itty- bitty bikini, when it comes to the beach you should exercise caution. Although it’s not the “law” per se, skimpy beachwear is frowned upon and local women opt for burqinis.
Burqinis may not be the most attractive sartorial choice, but they are brilliant for preventing sunburn. Nigella Lawson famously donned one for this very reason while holidaying in Australia circa 2011. Hey, if it’s good enough for the TV chef…
Designated beaches even have women-only days where males and toddlers are prohibited. The decision was actually prompted by complaints over inappropriate swimwear. Take note, ladies.
France
If you were thinking about packing your board shorts for the swimming pools of France, think again. Due to hygiene reasons, anyone wearing trunks, shorts or anything deemed loose fitting in the pool is likely to be hauled out by a lifeguard for crimes against speedos. We realise this sounds like a barmy old wives’ tale but just Google it. Turns out the French government passed the law in 1903 and despite much debate it still stands. We’re flabbergasted.
UK
The UK doesn’t have many rules regarding swimwear, more’s the pity. Wear your swimming costume inside out and we won’t bat an eyelid, but try swimming fast in the slow lane and you’ll probably get arrested. No, really.
Lane speed is a hot topic in local leisure centres: fast lane for speedy Sam’s, medium lane for middle-of-the-road Mandy’s and slow lane for crawling Caroline’s. Despite the rules being clearly marked out by swimming pool overlords it’s a common bugbear. You’d be surprised by just how many swimmers take the ignorance-is-bliss approach. Don’t say we didn’t warn you.
China
How the French feel about speedos is how China feel about swimming caps. Visit any public swimming pool in China and you’ll be forced to wear one. It’s just the way it is.
Another thing to note is that the Chinese are very anti-sunbathing, obsessively so. Expect to get some funny looks if you’re caught soaking up the rays. If you want to fit in then you’d better invest in a facekini- a long sleeved swimsuit covering the face and body. Sure, you might look like a member of Russian feminist group Pussy Riot, but at least you’ll blend in nicely.
With all the swimming pool rules and regulations out there, you’re better off setting up shop in the privacy of your own home. Get started with our range of
pool chemical treatment kits.
Read more:
A Brief History of Swimming Pools
The 7 Worst Swimwear Designs We’ve Ever Seen
Which is Better: Inground or Above Ground Pools?
(images:
Giorgio Montersino under
CC BY-SA 2.0,
Alex Priomos under
CC BY 2.0 and
Sfreporter)