POLICY NO: DSD 10 – CL
ACTIVE MORELAND AQUATIC AND LEISURE FACILITIES
SUITABLE CLOTHING POLICY
Date Resolved By Council:
14 August 2013
Commencement Date:
1 September 2013
Review Date:
1 July 2016
Responsible Department:
Social Development
This policy has been authorised and is included on Council’s Website.
Peter Brown
Chief Executive Officer
14 August 2013
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AQUATIC & LEISURE FACILITIES SUITABLE CLOTHING
POLICY
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1.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Aquatic Facilities Suitable Clothing Policy is to:
2.

Maximise the safety of patrons and staff.

Reduce the risk of clothing damaging equipment or reducing the high standards
of water quality.

Ensure the appropriate modesty of swimming attire at aquatic and leisure
centres.

Ensure opportunities for all members of the community to participate in activities
whilst wearing suitable attire.
OBJECTIVE
The objectives of the Aquatic & Leisure Facilities Suitable Clothing Policy are to:
3.

Provide information about how suitable clothing for aquatic and dry activities
contributes to the safety, comfort and enjoyment for patrons and staff.

Provide a clear statement about the types of clothing that are suitable and
inappropriate for both aquatic activities and dry area activities.

Ensure that communication about suitable and inappropriate clothing is
accessible and inclusive.
BACKGROUND
Moreland City Council through the contracted service providers under Active Moreland
are working towards;
Goal 1 – Active People

Moreland Residents are more active more often at all stages of life.
Goal 2 – Active Places

Physical activity facilities and environments are responsive to community needs
and encourage participation whilst providing a safe environment that promotes
participation in, and enjoyment of, aquatic and dry program activities.
Goal 3 - Active Opportunities

There are a diverse range of sport and physical activity opportunities available in
Moreland that reflect our diverse community. Services and programs that are
accessible and inclusive.
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AQUATIC & LEISURE FACILITIES SUITABLE CLOTHING
POLICY
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Goal 4 – Active Together

Moreland Physical activity providers and stakeholders work together in a
coordinated way to provide access to quality experiences.
When looking at suitable clothing in the Aquatic and Leisure setting, there are three
main areas of focus: Safety, Hygiene and Modesty.
3.1
Safety
Aquatic environments can present potential hazard and risk. In accordance with
the Occupational Health & Safety Act 2004, Aquatic Facilities in Moreland will aim
to reduce risk to staff and patrons and will take proactive measures to minimise
the incidence of accident and injury to staff and service users.
It has been identified that particular types of clothing worn whilst participating in
some activities pose possible risks to patron’s safety. Moreland City Council has
a duty of care to implement risk management practices at Moreland Aquatic and
Leisure facilities to minimise risk and maximise participant and staff safety and
well-being.
3.2
Hygiene
Patron behaviour and attire need to be monitored in order to uphold high
standards of water quality. Poor patron hygiene is by far the most detrimental
factor to maintaining water qualities – actions such as not showering after using
the steam room or spa, spitting, urinating and defecating in the pool greatly
reduce water quality and requires chemical control to ensure patron safety.
The use of some types of clothing also pose a water quality risk. Clothing that is
dirty, soiled or has been worn for exercise or as street clothes require a greater
level of chemical control. Nappies that are not designed specifically for aquatic
environments also pose a hygiene threat as the nappies and contents dissolve
when in water.
Careful consideration of suitable clothing requirements has been made to ensure
patron participation is not discouraged due to personal modesty requirements. As
a general rule, if clothing is clean, relatively tight fitting and allows participants to
swim safely, the benefits of participation far outweigh any risk to water quality.
Different types of aquatic clothing can be perceived by the public to be a hygiene
risk. It is therefore important to educate all patrons about what clothing is deemed
suitable and to effectively communicate and enforce this policy to ensure there is
a greater level of tolerance and understanding amongst patrons.
3.3
Modesty
The type of clothing worn in aquatic and leisure environments needs to be seen
as appropriately modest as determined by centre management. This means care
needs to be taken to ensure clothing is not unnecessarily revealing or
transparent.
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AQUATIC & LEISURE FACILITIES SUITABLE CLOTHING
POLICY
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These are common practices that many aquatic and leisure facilities adopt to
ensure that safety, hygiene and patron comfort are upheld. This policy and centre
practices in implementing the policy are done following best practice and industry
standards.
4.
DETAILS
Aquatic and Leisure Facilities
The Suitable Clothing Policy applies to all aquatic and leisure facilities in Moreland,
these being:
5.

Fawkner Leisure Centre

Coburg Leisure Centre

Brunswick Baths

Oak Park Aquatic Centre

Pascoe Vale Outdoor Pool

Coburg Olympic Swimming Pool

Fawkner Synthetic Pitch

Clifton Park Synthetic Pitch

Fawkner Community Hall
AQUATIC ACTIVITY
Aquatic activity includes, but is not limited to;

Swimming and water safety education lessons

Water based fitness or hydrotherapy classes

Lap swimming

Swimming carnivals

Casual and recreational bathing, including fun days

Use of the spa and steam room

Any other water based sport, program or activity.
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AQUATIC & LEISURE FACILITIES SUITABLE CLOTHING
POLICY
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All patrons and staff entering the water must be in clothing appropriate for the activity
being undertaken. An exception to this rule is for adults supervising children in 0m 0.5m depth, in which case wading barefoot, provided clothing does not enter the water,
is permitted.
5.1
Suitable Clothing
Suitable clothing is designated swimwear that will maximise safety, hygiene and
comfort for staff and patrons. It is specifically designed for water based activities,
and is generally compact in design and fit.
Suitable aquatic clothing must be clean and solely worn for the aquatic
environment. Appropriate styles of clothing include:

Swimming costumes, including culturally appropriate swimming costume
styles such as a ‘burkini’;

Sun tops / rash tops;

Swim skirts;

Board shorts; and

For infants, aquatic nappies that are specifically designed for use in pools
There are often constraints for people to adhere to the suitable clothing
requirements. Financial constraints can see people wearing a cotton t-shirt rather
than a rash vest, or leggings and a tunic rather than a Burkini. In these situations,
where the clothing is clean, relatively tight fitting and does not pose a safety
hazard, they can be allowed. Patrons will be prevented from participating in
aquatic activities where their clothing poses a health or safety risk.
5.2
Inappropriate Clothing
Some clothing styles and fabric presents greater risk to staff and patrons in an
emergency situation. Some clothing is considered inappropriate as it does not
meet the modesty requirements for a public facility. Street clothing can also place
pressure on the performance of filtration systems and impact on water quality
(disinfection / hygiene and clarity).
Inappropriate clothing includes:

Heavy clothing such as jeans, coats, jackets;

Loose fitting and/or free flowing fabrics worn as robes, wraps;

Clothing that is made from fabrics such as cotton, polar fleece, wool or
denim regardless of its style;

Underwear and undergarments worn as outerwear
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AQUATIC & LEISURE FACILITIES SUITABLE CLOTHING
POLICY
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6.

Garments that may become transparent when wet; i.e. Pale and lightweight fabrics

Any type of clothing that has formed part of the patron’s street or exercise
wear for that day, including items that show signs of dirt or pollutants; and

For infants, standard disposable or cloth nappies.
DRY ACTIVITIES
Dry area exercise activity includes, but is not limited to;

Exercising in the gymnasium

Participating in a group fitness class or programmed activity

Participating in a personal training session

Participating in a sports activity outside the facility grounds whilst under staff
supervision

Any other water based sport, program or activity.
All patrons and staff entering and exercising in the centre must be in clothing
appropriate for the activity being undertaken.
6.1
Suitable Clothing
Suitable clothing is designated exercise wear that will maximise safety, hygiene
and comfort for staff and patrons
6.2
Inappropriate Clothing
Some clothing styles and fabric presents greater risk to staff and patrons in an
emergency situation. Street clothing such as jeans and clothes with buttons may
pose a risk to damaging equipment when worn while exercising and are therefore
not permitted to be worn while exercising.
Inappropriate clothing includes:

Heavy clothing such as jeans, coats, jackets.

Underwear and undergarments.

Any type of clothing that has formed part of the patron’s street or exercise
wear for that day.

Non-closed shoes, high heels, heavy boots, thongs or sandals.
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AQUATIC & LEISURE FACILITIES SUITABLE CLOTHING
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7.
COMMUNICATION
Effective communication about what clothing is acceptable is important. Not only does
this communication help patrons know what clothing is suitable for aquatic activities
and leisure, it also assists all patrons to know that centre staff are enforcing the clothing
policy and will act on any breaches to this policy.
Communication to patrons about suitable clothing will;

Be accessible

Explain the objectives for safety, modesty and water quality

Include images of suitable clothing and inappropriate clothing

Include information about where to purchase appropriate wear such as rash
vests, ‘burkinis or aqua nappies, exercise pants and tops. Where possible, these
will be available for purchase at the centre.
Staff who are required to communicate with patrons regarding suitable clothing will be
trained in this policy and any procedure developed to implement the policy.
Promotional and campaign activities to ensure staff and patrons are made aware of
appropriate aquatic clothing and hygienic behaviour will be conducted on a regular
basis.
Promotional and campaign tools and resources have been developed specifically to
complement this policy. These include:
8.

Signage

Staff information sheet

Staff information cards

Patron information cards
EXCLUSION FROM ACTIVITIES
Facility staff reserve the right to prohibit any patron who does not have suitable clothing
from entering the water or exercise areas, and to request that any patron who enters
the area in inappropriate clothing to exit the area and remain in the facility.
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