Why do some swimming pools get away with sexist behaviour?

Question

I have recently found that some pools in England have a single sex policy at certain times ie ladies only session followed by a mens only session. When I found this out I was delighted that instead of having to go swimming with ladies present an obvious distraction I could actually go swimming with just my own sex. However when I contacted the pools in the local area those that had a single sex policy was just for women only-how sexist is that? Well I know they do it for ladies because they might get embaressed but what about us men? I mean they get to wear a full costume all I got is speedos-how unfair is that. I mean if they had to go topless I could understand ,but we have too in front of them!!!!!!!!Surely then if a swimming pool has a single sex policy then that has to apply to both sexes?

Answer 1

England used to segregate the sexes in bathing, even in the ocean, until the last century, with men still being the least incommoded. It is extremely possible that this policy is in fact a fossil from that era, when other things have moved forward, and not necessarily at the same pace.

"Especially in Britain, men and women wishing to enjoy the sea were usually segregated into separate areas, so that nobody of the opposite sex might catch sight of them in their bathing suits, which (although extremely modest by more modern standards) were not considered proper clothing to be seen in by the general public....Legal segregation of bathing areas in Britain ended in 1901... " http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bathing_machine

"The use of [Bathing machines] was more strictly enforced for women who had to endure a variety of discomforts which far outweighed any possible compensation of a day at the sea. The men had the best of it; they were allowed to bathe in drawers, and could plunge off one of the small boats that often patrolled along the front of the beach. Meanwhile, the vans and bathing-places for women were set far apart from those reserved for men, to guarantee that the modest woman in her bathing costume would not be seen by the opposite sex. Nevertheless, they often were still open to the gaze of spectators on the beach, who were usually not fenced off from the female bathers." http://www.victoriana.com/Etiquette/bathingmachine.htm

Answer 2

Look for a ladies only swimming pool. It might be different when you're wearing a skirt, but if you think men are not looking at you when you're in a bikini, you must be seriously naive. Isn't that the whole point of one?

Answer 3

And who said it was a man's world....!
The female only sessions are aimed at women who are embarrassed at being in a state of undress in front of men but like you say it works both ways!
I wonder what they'd say if you went in wearing a wetsuit or a t-shirt - you have a good argument!
Start a petition but it would probably be ridiculed!

Answer 4

I work in a swimming pool, the reason we don't have men only sessions is because no-one ever turns up for them. The inference for any man that turns up to a male only session is that he is gay....sad comment on today's society but there you go!!

Answer 5

I was just about to give you a long rant about the rights of women and so on, but you're right, men get embaressed to.

Answer 6

I agree that it should be for both sexes..but, women do get more embarassed. Have you ever had a woman ogle you blatantly? Men tend to do that more than women do!

Answer 7

Men arent ment to be as self concious. They arent meant to care

Answer 8

Write a letter to your local council about it and let us know what response you get. I'd love to hear how they justify it.

Answer 9

Contact your mp,if you're really concerned.

Answer 10

some towns have this on religious grounds, nuf said.