Australia and the World Past and Present

Recently, on a visit to the pool I saw a few things that I had never seen before.

Pool etiquette used to be about showering before you got in the water, not getting in the way of other swimmers and not splashing others.

It seems that smart devices have invaded the space and it may require a rethink to our set of rules for the pool and spa.

New behaviour number 1 – Sitting in the spa with a smartphone. I was taught that it was never a good idea to have an electrical device around water. Water and electricity just shouldn’t go together. One hand cradled the device while the other hand was involved in a never-ending scroll motion. I was waiting for the fall, but it didn’t come.

Behaviour number 2 – Selfies in the spa. Is this a thing? Apparently it is. I’m guessing that it may be a Gen Z thing. It seems that the spa has morphed from a space for relaxation to a prop for Insta photos. I suppose that still water is preferable for taking clear selfies, requiring the water jets to be turned off – cue disagreements with other spa users. Some will engage in argument, others will vote with their feet and vacate the space and head for the technology-free refuge of the pool…or is it?

Behaviour number 3 – Electrical earbuds in the pool. When I saw one swimmer going down the ladder into the pool, I felt a pang of concern. Nothing is more counterintuitive to me than getting into water with electrical devices stuck inside my ears. Again, is this a thing? Apparently it is. There seems to be a number of devices available on the market. Some say that one of the most tranquil spaces is under water. It is quiet and perfect for meditative exercise. Some people even use to sensory deprivation tanks to help them get away from noise. But those who don these earbuds would clearly rather listen to their favorite music or podcasts.

Many public pools have a sign up on the wall encouraging users to refrain from running around the pool or jumping into the water like a cannon ball. Maybe we need an updated list to be put on the wall. On second thought, maybe a QR code connected to an app would be more popular going forward.