'Completely appalled': London pool rules making waves with parents

Every trip to a swimming pool for Amanda McNeiliscomplicatedand a new rule at the City of London swimming pool inThames Park just made it more so.

A sign posted at the pool states that "children over the age of 3are not permitted in the opposite sex changeroom."

The rule is making a splash with parents like McNeil.

"They love it there and unfortunately with this new rule that they've imposed it doesn't seem like a place that I'm going to be going any time soon,"saidMcNeil, a single mother of three children.

She has a seven-year-old boy, three-year-old boy and a newborn girl.

According to the rules posted by the City of London Aquatic Services, she can't take her oldest son into the woman's change room.

"I don't feel comfortable at all sending my child into another change room without me and with a complete stranger," said McNeil.

She said that she hasspoken to other mothers who are "completely appalled" by the rules.

An extended thread on the City of London's Aquatic Services Facebook page is full of complaints about the rule and how it impacts families.

City response

In a statement to CBC News,Division Manager of Aquatics, Arenas and Attractions Lynn Loubertsaid that the rule "is based on feedback from our users and their comfort level with these situations."

Loubert said that there are a number of facilities in London with universal change rooms and those that don't have alternative options.

"For example we have a washroom at Thames at the park that families can use, and enter through our side gate or through the staff area as a family," said Loubertin the statement.

"At the locations we don't have these facilities, we ask users to speak to our staff to assist them and find a viable option," the statement continues.

"We are not suggesting small children are left unattended in change areas."

Safety concerns

McNeil said that she won't take her three kids to the washroom to change.

"To take my children into a dirty bathroom where there could be anything from needles to stuff on the floor - it's just not feasible," said McNeil.

She said that she won't take her kids to the pool while this rule is in place.

"They need to update their facility. In places where there arefamily change rooms I'm more likely to take my family to those," said McNeil.

She said that she's never come across rules like these with her children at other establishments.

"I've never had this problem before," said McNeil. "I've had no problem taking my boys into the bathroom with me."

She said that she hopes the rule is changed to allow families like hers to enjoy the facilities that London has to offer.