(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

alberta human rights act

City of Red Deer vows toplessness at pools is A-okay for all, among other revisions to swimwear requirements

Jul 7, 2023 | 2:50 PM

After several other Alberta communities did so recently, the City of Red Deer has tweaked its swimwear requirements for public pools, so that it is in line with the Alberta Human Rights Act.

The act itself did not recently change, but others’ reviews and changes prompted Red Deer to take a look at its guidelines, which it now admits were out of date.

Appropriate swimwear is now defined under the City’s Aquatics Facilities Use Guidelines, and perhaps most notably does not require anyone to wear a top. This is an example of something that wasn’t clearly defined previously, one way or the other.

Barb McKee, Recreation Superintendent, says the City has never experienced this issue, but if a woman had come into a public pool without a top last week, staff would’ve asked them to put something on or to leave.

McKee says that’s no longer the case, acknowledging that had the City faced that issue, especially since the Act was changed, it could’ve opened up the municipality to a lawsuit.

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Edmonton made a similar change earlier this year, as reported by the CBC. That story led to some asking questions of Red Deer’s decision makers.

“We are constantly connecting with community, reviewing recreation industry leading practices and working with other communities to understand how we can adjust our operations to fulfil our commitment of providing accessible recreation opportunities for everyone,” says McKee. “This update is a perfect example of how important that collaboration is; it pushes us to continually develop a better understanding of the needs of our community, and what shifts we need to make to align them with regulating bodies.”

The City says this update is about more than just swim tops, however.

This is about allowing options for different people, cultures and religions while still being safe, officials explain, and that includes allowing things like burkinis, full coverage of head/legs, allowing shorts and t-shirts, to name a few.

Burkinis, again for example, were permitted before, but the new guidelines now better define materials and other requirements such as length in order for all patrons to be safe while using an aquatic facility.

“We do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity or gender expression. We are now in alignment with the Alberta Human Rights Act,” says Ken McMullen, Acting City Manager. “We must always be looking at our own practices, operations, and services, finding ways to evolve and recognize the diversity in our community.”

Swimwear bottoms are required for all under the guidelines, which are shown in detail below.

In partnership with the Lifesaving Society, and in compliance with Alberta Health Services, The City of Red Deer has developed the following definition for appropriate swim attire:

1. When visiting a public pool, swimwear must be suitable for general participation in aquatics and must not impair swimming skills. Swimwear may be made of different types of fabric as long as it does not put a user’s safety at risk or interfere with pool water quality.

2. When patrons choose not to expose a part of their body, a modified version of traditional swimwear is permissible as an alternative. Acceptable alternatives for swimwear include:

i. footless tights, gymnastic leggings,
ii. tight-fitting undershirt,
iii. tight-fitting hood that covers the head and neck with wide openings for the face,
iv. tight-fitting sweater or pants, or a wetsuit,
v. long-sleeved pants and shirts,
vi. tee-shirts and shorts with undergarments or a swimsuit worn underneath,
vii. burkinis and rash guards, where there is a wide opening for the face and fabric is tight-fitting enough to not interfere with swimming skills. Hands and feet must be able to move freely.

3. For safety reasons, patrons wearing traditional garments (such as saris) are asked to remain in the shallow end of the pool. We ask that they not use the dive tank.

4. All patrons are required to wear swimwear bottoms. The use of swimwear tops is a patron’s choice.

5. Clothing that absorbs water and becomes heavy is not permissible in pools.

6. All swimwear must be clean and brought to the facility for the purpose of swimming.

7. Prior to entering the pool, all patrons are required to take a cleansing shower in their swimwear.

8. Children under 3 years of age and anyone who is incontinent must wear a reusable/disposable swim diaper as well as a fitted plastic pant.

To learn more about the City’s revised guidelines, visit reddeer.ca.