Vancouver park board asked to crack down on inappropriate swimwear at city pools

The Vancouver park board is being asked to approve a new policy that would define what you can and cannot wear while swimming at a public pool.

According to a report from parks board manager Donnie Rosa to be presented to the board next Monday, aquatic services staff have asked for a policy to be established to help them manage situations “where patrons have attended Vancouver aquatic facilities in attire that has had cause for attention.”

The proposed Attire for Swimming in Public Aquatic Facilities policy would ensure the full and appropriate coverage of genitals.

“At times, staff have also addressed concerns where the attire for swimming was deemed to present a risk to the patron, impeding their ability to remain safe in the water, which also presents a safety risk to the lifeguard, in the event of a rescue,” Rosa said in the report.

The B.C. Pool Regulation states that people must wear clean and appropriate bathing attire as deemed by pool management, but does not define what is appropriate swimwear.