Men who are reluctant to don togs in the company of women could be catered for with men-only swim sessions - if demand exists.
The Waikato Times last week revealed Hamilton City Council was working on a proposal to introduce twice-weekly women-only swimming sessions at the Gallagher Aquatic Centre.
The initiative, which is tipped to be launched next month would see men banned from the aquatic centre during the women-only sessions.
The idea drew mixed reaction from residents and community representatives.
Women-only session could also be introduced at Waterworld’s hydrotherapy pool if there was sufficient demand.
Islamic Women’s Council of New Zealand spokesperson Anjum Rahman said the initiative would appeal to a range of women, including young Muslim women.
In a letter to the editor following the article, council swimming and recreation manager Mathew Bayliss said there had been suggestions a similar service should be offered for male swimmers.
The council was happy to work with any group of men who saw a need and “determine if demand exists”, he said.
Hamilton Men’s Circle trustee David Watson said there were men who felt threatened swimming with women and believed the council should explore the feasibility of men-only sessions.
“I can understand why some women, who have issues with body image, would not like to swim with men. But there are also men who, because of a mid-life spread, may feel self conscious about their bodies,” Watson said.
“I’m not sure if there would be demand for men-only sessions but it’s something council should investigate. If the council look to cater for just women and not men then I think that would raise human rights issues.”
Dr Neil Bruce, trust chairman of Hamilton’s The Men Shed, said some men, for a range of reasons, did not feel comfortable in the company of women.
It would be appropriate for the council to explore demand for men-only swimming sessions, he said.
“You could always offer it, that would be the democratic approach, but whether they take it up that would be a matter of interest.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Hamilton City Council’s swimming and recreation manager Mathew Bayliss responds:
Regarding the proposed Women’s Swimming sessions noted in your recent report (“Man ban at public pool”, Waikato Times, 3 May), we’d like to give your readers more information on this proposal.
The possible times identified for these sessions - Sunday and Friday evenings - are among the quietest periods for our pools, meaning only a small number of male customers would be inconvenienced. Hamilton Pools has two sites (Gallagher Aquatic Centre and Waterworld), and should we proceed with these sessions, male customers will still have access to a pool at these times.
In an average week, Hamilton Pools are open for 180 hours: the three hours proposed for the Women’s Swimming sessions constitute less than 2 per cent of that. Male swimmers will still have access to our pools 177 hours a week.
Some members of the public may be concerned the proposal impinges on people’s human rights. We don’t believe that’s the case, but we will seek the Human Rights Commission’s guidance on this aspect.
Finally, there have been suggestions a similar service should be offered for male swimmers. We’re happy to work with any group of men who see a need, and determine if demand exists.