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Editor:
We love the outdoor pools in summer — they’re a real treat after surviving the Kansas winter. It’s too bad I had to witness an ugly interaction between a very rude family and a nice lifeguard during my pool outing this week. Here’s what happened:
Mom, Dad and two little boys came to swim. One of the boys needed a “little swimmer change,” which Mom started to do right on the side of the pool. Yuck! The attentive lifeguard beeped his whistle and told her that she had to do the change in the locker room. Dad came to get the boy, but instead of going into the locker room, he laid the child on a table on the pool deck and proceeded with the swim diaper change. Yes, on a deck table where people eat! Disgusting.
The lifeguard again said that he needed to do that in the locker room, to which Mom decided to get rude. She said, “Hey, nothing anyone hasn’t seen before — it’ll be done in a minute.”
The poor lifeguard tried to explain that it’s simply pool policy, but this woman just would not back down. I bit my tongue so hard it almost bled.
First of all, Mom, I have two boys. Yes, I have seen little boy private parts, but I do not want to see those of your children on display during my leisure swim. Teach your kids some decency and when and where it’s appropriate to disrobe. If your son would’ve accidently pottied in the pool while standing bare-backsided on the side, the pool would’ve been shut down for all of us.
Secondly, Mom and Dad, you were told twice by the lifeguard about pool policy: changes in the locker room only. Don’t disrespect the staff. You were wrong; admit it and apologize. These guards are high-schoolers on summer jobs; they don’t make the rules but they are there to enforce them. This makes for a pleasant pool experience for everyone. These lifeguards don’t make enough money to have to deal with nasty patrons.
Additionally, quit complaining that there is no changing table in the locker room. It’s not the lifeguard’s fault, and you can submit an ICE (Interactive Customer Evaluation) comment to Garrison on your own. If the facilities aren’t up to your standards, go to the pools off post.
Better yet, buy a changing pad and carry it with you. I always had one in my diaper bag; if the bare floor was the only changing space, my children had a pad to lie on. It’s more sanitary than putting baby on a changing table that’s been used by everyone else. Besides, that deck table wasn’t exactly bleached clean and I’m sure it wasn’t comfortable for your child either.
Finally, don’t complain to the lifeguards about your personal choices. I add this because Mom started whining about being 30 weeks pregnant and having to get out of the pool, change baby on the floor, etc. Mom, I’ve been pregnant three times, working until the day of delivery. I didn’t find myself incapacitated by my pregnancies. Obviously, you aren’t either if you’re at the pool with your kids. You and Dad made the choice to have children (God bless you), therefore, your current condition is of your own making. Deal with it. Even when pregnant, you still have to follow pool rules and the unwritten laws of decency and etiquette.
In short, big thanks and kudos to the lifeguard for standing up in a difficult situation. He remained professional and polite, which is more than I can say for the family. Thankfully, they left soon after the incident and have not returned to the pool, at least when I’ve been there. I hope they come back only when ready to obey pool rules and respect the staff and premises. I certainly appreciate the nice facilities we have on post, manned by personable, fun guards.
Thank you, Lifeguard B (you know who you are); I was impressed with your resolve and I’ve spoken positively to your boss about you.
Everyone, let’s keep our pools a safe, clean, fun place to hang out this summer. Be kind to fellow swimmers, pick up your trash, follow the rules, and respect the staff. Thank a lifeguard at each visit.
Happy swimming,
A bothered bystander
Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
Editor:
We love the outdoor pools in summer — they’re a real treat after surviving the Kansas winter. It’s too bad I had to witness an ugly interaction between a very rude family and a nice lifeguard during my pool outing this week. Here’s what happened:
Mom, Dad and two little boys came to swim. One of the boys needed a “little swimmer change,” which Mom started to do right on the side of the pool. Yuck! The attentive lifeguard beeped his whistle and told her that she had to do the change in the locker room. Dad came to get the boy, but instead of going into the locker room, he laid the child on a table on the pool deck and proceeded with the swim diaper change. Yes, on a deck table where people eat! Disgusting.
The lifeguard again said that he needed to do that in the locker room, to which Mom decided to get rude. She said, “Hey, nothing anyone hasn’t seen before — it’ll be done in a minute.”
The poor lifeguard tried to explain that it’s simply pool policy, but this woman just would not back down. I bit my tongue so hard it almost bled.
First of all, Mom, I have two boys. Yes, I have seen little boy private parts, but I do not want to see those of your children on display during my leisure swim. Teach your kids some decency and when and where it’s appropriate to disrobe. If your son would’ve accidently pottied in the pool while standing bare-backsided on the side, the pool would’ve been shut down for all of us.
Secondly, Mom and Dad, you were told twice by the lifeguard about pool policy: changes in the locker room only. Don’t disrespect the staff. You were wrong; admit it and apologize. These guards are high-schoolers on summer jobs; they don’t make the rules but they are there to enforce them. This makes for a pleasant pool experience for everyone. These lifeguards don’t make enough money to have to deal with nasty patrons.
Additionally, quit complaining that there is no changing table in the locker room. It’s not the lifeguard’s fault, and you can submit an ICE (Interactive Customer Evaluation) comment to Garrison on your own. If the facilities aren’t up to your standards, go to the pools off post.
Better yet, buy a changing pad and carry it with you. I always had one in my diaper bag; if the bare floor was the only changing space, my children had a pad to lie on. It’s more sanitary than putting baby on a changing table that’s been used by everyone else. Besides, that deck table wasn’t exactly bleached clean and I’m sure it wasn’t comfortable for your child either.
Finally, don’t complain to the lifeguards about your personal choices. I add this because Mom started whining about being 30 weeks pregnant and having to get out of the pool, change baby on the floor, etc. Mom, I’ve been pregnant three times, working until the day of delivery. I didn’t find myself incapacitated by my pregnancies. Obviously, you aren’t either if you’re at the pool with your kids. You and Dad made the choice to have children (God bless you), therefore, your current condition is of your own making. Deal with it. Even when pregnant, you still have to follow pool rules and the unwritten laws of decency and etiquette.
In short, big thanks and kudos to the lifeguard for standing up in a difficult situation. He remained professional and polite, which is more than I can say for the family. Thankfully, they left soon after the incident and have not returned to the pool, at least when I’ve been there. I hope they come back only when ready to obey pool rules and respect the staff and premises. I certainly appreciate the nice facilities we have on post, manned by personable, fun guards.
Thank you, Lifeguard B (you know who you are); I was impressed with your resolve and I’ve spoken positively to your boss about you.
Everyone, let’s keep our pools a safe, clean, fun place to hang out this summer. Be kind to fellow swimmers, pick up your trash, follow the rules, and respect the staff. Thank a lifeguard at each visit.
Happy swimming,
A bothered bystander
Fort Leavenworth, Kan.
