Swimming pools are a place where people come together to cool off, relax, and enjoy themselves. However, there are some behaviours, attitudes, and ideas that we often don’t talk about, yet they impact our experiences at the pool. Whether you’re lounging by the water or diving in for some exercise, it’s time to discuss the things we need to normalise at the pool for the sake of creating a more inclusive, comfortable, and enjoyable space for everyone.

1. Body Positivity and Acceptance

One of the biggest barriers many people face at the pool is body image anxiety. Whether it's because of societal standards or self-imposed expectations, people often feel self-conscious about their bodies in swimwear. It's time to normalise that all bodies are beautiful and worthy of enjoying the pool, no matter their shape, size, or appearance.

Normalise: Wearing whatever makes you feel comfortable. People should feel free to swim and enjoy themselves without fearing judgment based on how they look in a swimsuit.

2. Mental Health and Swimming as a Form of Healing

Pools are often seen as a recreational space, but they can also serve as a form of therapy. Swimming can help with stress relief, anxiety, and even physical rehabilitation. We need to normalise the idea that going to the pool isn’t just about exercise or socialising—it’s also about taking time for mental wellness.

Normalise: Taking a solo swim to clear your mind, being mindful, and using the pool as a place of calm and healing.

3. Swimwear Diversity

For far too long, swimwear options have been limited to a small range of designs, sizes, and colours. It’s time we normalise the idea that swimwear should reflect everyone’s personal style, cultural background, and needs.

Normalise: A wide variety of swimwear options, from different cuts and styles to options that cater to people with various body types and cultural practices (e.g., modest swimwear, plus-size options, adaptive swimsuits).

4. Safety and Respect for Personal Space

Safety should always be a priority at the pool but so should respect for personal space. There’s often a tendency to crowd certain areas or splash unnecessarily, but not everyone is comfortable with that. We need to normalise respecting others’ space, both in terms of physical boundaries and comfort zones.

Normalise: Keeping a reasonable distance from others, especially in crowded pool areas, and respecting people’s boundaries when they’re enjoying the water.

5. Swim Lessons for All Ages

It’s essential to normalise that swimming is a skill everyone should have access to, regardless of their age or background. Learning to swim is an essential life skill, and it can save lives. There should be no stigma attached to people learning to swim at any stage in life.

Normalise: Adults taking swim lessons and feeling empowered to learn the skills necessary to enjoy the pool safely.

6. Inclusivity for All Abilities

It’s essential that pools become more inclusive for people of all abilities. Whether it’s making sure pools have ramps for easy access, providing accessible swim aids, or ensuring that staff are trained in helping people with disabilities, inclusivity should be prioritised.

Normalise: Accessible pools, as well as inclusive swimming events and programs for people with disabilities.

7. Unplugging from Technology

In a world full of screens, the pool should be a space for relaxation and unplugging. While we can’t deny the appeal of snapping a picture or checking social media, it’s important to normalise taking a break from tech and immersing ourselves in the moment.

Normalise: Fewer devices at the pool, and more time spent enjoying the company of others and being present in the water.

The bottom line:

The pool should be a place for everyone to enjoy without fear of judgment or discomfort. By normalising these practices, we can ensure that everyone feels welcome, safe, and empowered to enjoy the water in their own way. Let’s work together to make the pool a space where relaxation, inclusivity, and wellness are prioritised—because when we normalize these important aspects, everyone benefits.