A New South Wales council has come under fire after clarifying a rule around swimwear requirements at its local pools.
Blue Mountains City Council, which controls Blue Mountains Leisure Centres in Blackheath, Katoomba, Lawson, Springwood and Glenbrook, has revealed that thongs and g-strings in particular are considered unacceptable at any of their locations — and to no one’s surprise, the locals aren’t happy about it.
“Recognized swimwear must be worn”
Blue Mountains Leisure Centres has taken to Facebook in response to debate around its guidelines for appropriate swimwear.
“We’ve seen there’s been some confusion about what’s appropriate swimwear when you visit a Blue Mountains Leisure Centre pool,” the post began.
“Much of it focused on a poster showing the kind of swimwear that is and isn’t appropriate. It’s important to remember that these images are indicative only.
“In particular, the image of ‘Revealing Swimwear/Thongs’ has raised some eyebrows. This image refers to thongs and g-strings — not bikini tops and bottoms.”
They went on to list the specific conditions of entry for their pools — as listed on the Blue Mountains City Council website.
“Thongs and g-string swimwear is not acceptable for males or females when visiting our leisure centers. Bikinis are acceptable and considered recognized swimwear,” the post continued.
“The terms and conditions of entry to our pools state “All patrons are encouraged to shower thoroughly before entering the pool and recognized swimwear must be worn. Recognized swimwear does not include g-strings.””
“This is so disgusting!”
Immediately, locals were shocked by the “old-fashioned” and “ridiculous” rules.
“As a Blue Mountains local I’m outraged, this is so disgusting!” one commenter said.
“Shouldn’t people go to the pool to SWIM and not to worry about what other people are wearing?” said another.
“This is absolutely ridiculous, the people that’s eyebrows are being “raised” shouldn’t be at a public pool if u can’t control yourself,” a third agreed.
Some drew issues with the wording of the rule itself, noting the fine line between g-strings and other bikini cuts that technically would be acceptable, and concluding that it shouldn’t exist at all.
“That clarification is as clear as mud. Fashion changes and community standards are inconsistent,” said one commenter.
“So long as practically and safety are considered it shouldn’t be any one else’s business what I’m comfortable swimming in.”
“Youngins will say that those cheeky bum swimmers (they show half their bum cheeks but they’re not thongs/g-strings) are within the rules. Old folk will complain about them because they reveal half the bum cheek,” said another.
“How about we solve this by placing the responsibility with the person having feelings about somebody else’s clothes and not the kids wearing them? Young people will wear what’s fashionable and these are what are fashionable. If you don’t like it, don’t look. And if seeing a bit more flesh than folks showed back in your day throws you into a rage you just MUST share with the rest of the world then you’re the one not fit to be in public.”
Others said that they hope to see the rule extending to men in speedos and other similar swimwear.
“budgie smugglers ban them too as well make it fair no male wearing g-string swimmers,” said one commenter.
“y’all best be banning old men in budgee smugglers too… they’re more exposed than any girl that goes to the pool…. it’s gross,” said another.
“why are we (women) not allowed to dress and feel confident in public while there’s men roaming around unbothered in budgee smugglers more exposed than girls ever are?” a third agreed.
“I don’t see the problem here!”
However, some locals did jump in to back the post, saying that at the end of the day, it isn’t about fashion – it’s about appropriateness and safety.
“I don’t see the problem here. People are taking this out of context. It’s not like they’re saying cover everything up? Personally, I don’t care, whatever goes, but surely we can respect other people’s boundaries without taking it to such extreme offense?” said one commenter.