“The children had to leave the pool immediately”: the rule all campers are ignoring this summer

Are you planning your camping vacation and looking forward to a refreshing dip in the pool? Camping pools are a dream for young and old alike, but a specific rule on swimwear could well change your plans if you don’t prepare in advance.

Stricter regulations on swimwear

TheAgence Régionale de Santé (ARS) has made it compulsory for campers to wear suitable swimwear in their swimming pools. This rule, which has been in force since last year, puts an end to the flexibility that previously prevailed in these bathing areas.

Specifically, swimwear must be tight-fitting and short. Large shorts, boxer shorts or sportswear are not accepted. Holidaymakers wearing this type of clothing will be refused access to the pool.

This rule applies to adults and children alike. Parents should therefore remember to pack regulation swimwear for the whole family, otherwise they will have to buy outfits from the campsite store.

Why are swimming shorts banned?

The reason is primarily hygienic. Loose-fitting swim shorts may have been worn as an ordinary item of clothing in town, which means that they carry outside dirt. Pool managers don’t want to introduce this type of soiling into the water.

Tom Huiskens, spokesman for the ACSI platform, shared a revealing anecdote with Belgian newspaper 7 sur 7. His family, on vacation in the south of France, had tried to let the children swim in boxer shorts, due to a lack of swimming trunks. As a result, the children had to leave the pool immediately.

“They assume that you’ll also use your swim shorts like normal shorts. Chances are you’ve worn them around town, for example, and that’s how they got dirty. They don’t want that kind of dirt in the pool.”

Other hygiene rules to be observed in camping pools

However, the regulation swimsuit is not the only constraint. Campsite swimming pools also impose other compulsory gestures before and during swimming. These standards are designed to protect all vacationers who share the space.

Before diving in, it’s essential to pass through the showers and foot baths. These steps limit the introduction of bacteria and residues into the pool. Ignoring them can result in a warning or even exclusion.

• Wear a short, tight-fitting swimsuit that complies with ARS regulations.
• Always shower before entering the pool.
• Use the foot baths at the entrance to the bathing area.
• To avoid accidents, do not run on the edge of the pool.
• Do not spit, smoke, chew gum or eat in the pool area.

These prohibitions apply to all public swimming pools in France. What’s more, they apply to adults and children alike. Any holidaymaker who fails to comply risks being excluded from the pool by the pool manager.

Possible closures in the event of non-compliance

Campsite swimming pools are regularly inspected by the health authorities. Every year, a number of campsite pools are temporarily closed due to shortcomings on the part of management and holidaymakers alike.

These closures can occur at any time during the summer season. They directly affect the stay of all campers present. Every gesture counts to preserve water quality and the smooth running of the site.

What to plan before you go camping

The bathing suit rule only applies to campsite pools and other public pools. There are no such requirements for private pools. However, to avoid any unpleasant surprises at the campsite, it’s best to plan ahead.

Before you leave, check that every member of the family has a short, tight-fitting swimsuit. For children, remember to bring a change of clothes in case of need. What’s more, boys’ swimming briefs and girls’ one-piece or two-piece swimsuits meet the required criteria perfectly.

If you’ve forgotten, replacement swimwear is often available in the campsite store, albeit at a higher price. So thinking ahead is the best way to enjoy your campsite’s pools this summer.

On the other hand, if you’re staying at a campsite without a pool, or if you prefer the beach, this rule doesn’t apply to you directly. Swimming pools on campsites are still highly prized areas, and are now subject to standards that all holidaymakers should be aware of before diving in.

• campground pools