We have all seen the ever-important swim rules signs at any given pool – public, private, hotel, everywhere. They’re usually to the tune of “babies must wear swim diapers” and “swim at your own risk”. In one pool in Quebec, Canada, however, as amateur swimmer Yann Marcotte discovered, the rules are pretty darn specific – swimming caps must be worn at all times.
Marcotte, who is completely bald by the way, has been visiting his local pool in Sainte-Julie, Quebec for over 12 years, when the facility began demanding he wear a swim cap. Marcotte (did I mention he’s bald?) refused to adopt the new requirement, which then resulted in the local police personally escorting him from the Sainte-Julie Aquatic Center.
Surprised by the lengths the center went to enforce the rule, Marcotte described the situation. “The managing director of the pool asked everybody with hair or no hair to put on a swim cap. Because I refused, they called the police to the pool. It’s the first time in 15 years they received police at this place. I asked the police if they made me stop swimming because I was over the speed limit.” (enter chuckle). Of note, Marcotte was not arrested, simply led out of the building. In fact, “the police were very apologetic”, said Marcotte.
According to Marcotte, the facility indicated the new regulation requiring swim caps is to promote hygiene and water quality, which can be caused by loose hair in the water. However, as anyone involved in the sport of swimming can attest, one’s head is not the only part of the body covered in hair. Which leads one to wonder if the Saint-Julie Aquatic Center will soon begin requiring Thorpedo-style bodysuits for a nice leisurely Sunday afternoon float.
I know the sign in the picture is just a file photo and not directly related to this story, but I gotta comment on the “wait 3 hours after eating to enter the pool.” What competitive swimmer could possible follow that rule? The only time I’ve gone 3 hours without eating is when I’m asleep.
Just get a lycra one . There are some smart sporty ones that are not hot or sticky . Plus they are almost always more attractive than a bald head.
I have come to the conclusion that ALL recreational / lap swimmers over 30 look better with more coverage . This includes a cap worn well down the forehead & dark lens goggles .
Just crazy. Whenever I was traveling to Japan, I was always required to wear a cap, but the pool staff were always very polite about it. I actually accumulated quite a collection of caps because I always forgot to pack one and ended up buying new ones. Never had this experience of being asked to wear a cap anywhere in Canada.