Onehunga pool's strict swimwear policy is keeping the waters clear, write Renee Jones and Candice Reed.
Claire Barry has no problem with draconian swimwear rules adopted by her local pool to battle a floating faeces problem.
Onehunga War Memorial Pool continues to remind patrons by flyer that board shorts are banned from
its indoor pool. The rule was introduced six years ago after regular incidents of children aged up to 12 spotted using the pool as a toilet.
To gain entry, children up to the age of 12 must wear fitted togs or rash suits.
Onehunga mother-of-three Claire supports the policy.
``I've turned up to the pool with my children to go swimming before and it's been shut because someone has done something in it. It's frustrating and disappointing for the kids. I'd prefer to have the policy and have the pool open,'' she says.
The Barry family of Liam, 7, Michaela, 5 and Tomas, 2, use the pool at least once a week.
``There are occasions when little ones do have accidents and so long as people know the rules then it's an effective policy,'' Claire says.
``Liam's only just got to the age where boardies are cool, but he knows when he comes here for a swim he has to wear togs.''
When any faeces and vomit are found, the facility closes for up to eight hours of treatment.
Facilities manager Chris Smith says it's the only Auckland pool with the strict regulations, but swimmers return because of the hygiene.
``I've had feedback that these waters are the cleanest in Auckland,'' she says.
``It doesn't happen as much as it used to. We used to have incidents of faeces in the pool, we sighted 12-year-olds too lazy to get out of the pool. We've seen kids (toddlers) pull them (nappies) aside and everything comes out. It's really a hygiene issue.''
Spare togs are available for children to borrow if they do not have the correct swimwear. Ms Smith says the idea is not to turn people away.
