Pool Rules

Having had the opportunity to take my blogging for a well deserved and unplanned late sunshine break I was interested to note the signage around the pool. Gone are the old classics such as ‘No Bombing’ and ‘No Petting’ but more disturbingly they have been replaced with ‘No Rough Play’ and a symbol as you would expect to find indicating the toilets stating, ‘Use Restrooms’. Part of my breaks away has been the opportunity to kid myself that the hundred plus lengths a day are honing my ageing physique and keeping the grim reaper at a safe distance, but at no time did it ever occur to me that my safety and life expectancy may be shortened by a previous users ponchance for relieving themselves in the pool. So strong and unexpected was the message I’m sure that every time I use a villas pool from now on I will envisage the sign and inspect the pool just a little closer.

The unique quality of the message gives it power, one I’m sure repetition would in time dilute, much like the safety drills on the flight. I have no idea how many times I and my fellow passengers have endured the monotonous ritual and how many people really pay attention anyway? It smacks of a business going through the motions to cover their corporate backside in the rare chance that they end up on the wrong side of a health and safety claim rather than really showing concern for the users well being. Which brings me back to the pool rules sign. Is it there for for the users benefit or the cleaners?