SENIOR MOMENT
I HAVE LEARNED MUCH IN WATER (EXCEPT SWIMMING!)
A public swimming pool is a rich human observation laboratory, writes Dr Chandrakant Shah.
By CHANDRAKANT SHAH, MD
A community swimming pool is not just as a place for recreation and fitness but is also a rich human observation laboratory.
It stands out as a unique environment where individuals of different ages, cultures and social backgrounds converge, providing an observational arena of behaviour, cultural influences, social hierarchies and psychological aspects.
Over the last fifteen years, I have spent at least forty minutes daily at a community swimming pool just walking in the water as I do not know how to swim. With an inquisitive mind, I am keenly aware of my surroundings – my fellow citizens in the water and those above the water, keeping us safe.
And I observe patterns of behaviours among fellow visitors to the pool.
A lady (around 60 years of age) joined the aquafit class. Afraid of getting in the pool, she was screaming and holding on to her young niece. The same woman is now one of the regular members, coming alone and chatting with others.
I met a mom bringing her homebound sixteen-year-old autistic girl regularly so that she could swim in the pool and be exposed to others. A young mom accompanied her seven-year-old son as he practised for competitive swimming. I saw health-conscious middle-aged overweight men vigorously swimming to lose their excess baggage.
In the aquafit class, I encountered many lonely seniors, huddled in the pool with others to socialize.
I watched lifeguards treat the frail and disabled elderly as ‘patron saints of the pool’ assisting them in getting into and out of the pool.
I saw young women in scanty bikinis and others fully clad due to their religious beliefs.
I also witnessed fights and unruly behaviour amongst (mostly) younger people. (Mind you, everybody looks young when I am in the “departure lounge”!)
There is a unique microcosm in public swimming pools.
Hierarchy exists in community swimming pools in both explicit and subtle ways.
Lifeguards and instructors hold authority over pool users, ensuring safety and maintaining order.
Some are friendly and helpful, while others are detached and strictly adhere to their duties. They establish rules around designated swim lanes, diving restrictions, and time limits.
Observing how individuals respond to these rules provides insight into compliance, resistance, and respect for authority.
Informal hierarchies emerge among swimmers based on skill level, experience, and social influence. Competitive swimmers and seasoned regulars often command an unspoken respect, setting the tone for etiquette within lap lanes.
Beginners or occasional swimmers may hesitate to enter these lanes, pointing to the influence of perceived social status in communal environments.
Children, too, navigate a form of hierarchy through peer interactions. Older or more skilled children may take on leadership roles, while younger or less confident swimmers follow their lead. This reflects broader socialization patterns observed in school playgrounds and other communal settings.
Senior citizens represent a distinct demographic in community swimming pools, often utilizing the space for both health and social purposes.
Many older adults engage in water aerobics, aquatic therapy and gentle swimming which provide low-impact benefits for joint pain, arthritis and overall mobility. Their movements tend to be slow and deliberate, reflecting a focus on wellness rather than competition or speed. Seniors often exhibit strong social bonds at the pool. Many participate in group classes that foster a sense of community and camaraderie. These sessions not only enhance physical health but also contribute to emotional well-being by reducing feelings of isolation. Unlike younger swimmers who may focus on intense workouts, seniors tend to engage in leisurely activities and conversations, making the pool a hub for social interaction.
Another notable behavioural pattern among seniors is their adherence to routine. Many older adults visit the pool at the same time each day, establishing a predictable presence. This creates informal social networks where individuals look forward to meeting familiar faces. Additionally, seniors tend to be more conscientious about pool etiquette, respecting designated spaces, following rules, and engaging in polite interactions with lifeguards and fellow swimmers.
Due to cultural inhibitions and lack of familiarity with availability of transportation, I notice fewer South Asian seniors at swimming pools.
Community swimming pools are also important recreational and therapeutic spaces for individuals with disabilities, providing a unique perspective on inclusivity, adaptability and support systems in shared public environments.
Many disabled individuals use swimming pools for therapeutic exercises as water provides buoyancy that reduces strain on muscles and joints. Their movements may be slower and more deliberate, often focusing on rehabilitation and relaxation rather than speed or endurance. Some may require assistive devices such as flotation aids or ramps to enter and navigate the water comfortably.
The presence of helpers, whether family members, friends, or trained caregivers, significantly shapes the behaviour of disabled individuals in the pool. Helpers often assist with mobility, provide encouragement, and ensure safety. Their interactions tend to be patient, attentive, and supportive, emphasizing the importance of trust and cooperation. Instructors specializing in adaptive swimming play a crucial role in building confidence and independence in disabled swimmers.
Disabled individuals and their helpers display close-knit interactions, though their engagement with other swimmers varies.
Many parents enroll infants in parent-child swim classes, focusing on water acclimatization, basic floating, and breath control to build comfort and prevent fear of water. It is heartening to see many fathers participating with their infants in these programs.
Parents often enroll their young children in structured swim lessons for skill development. They encourage participation by attending lessons, reinforcing skills through practice, and ensuring safety. Many families prioritize swimming proficiency at this age due to the increased risk of drowning.
As older children develop more independence, parental involvement shifts towards supporting advanced skills, competitive training, or encouraging recreational swimming. Some focus on water safety education, while others encourage swimming as a fitness activity or a social engagement tool.
This dedication to swimming lessons reflects parents’ awareness of water safety, personal experiences with swimming, and cultural attitudes toward aquatic education.
Cultural background plays a significant role in shaping attitudes and behaviours in a swimming pool. Different societies have varying norms regarding swimming, modesty, and gender interactions. For example, individuals from Middle Eastern backgrounds may prefer more modest swimwear such as full-body swimsuits or burkinis, due to cultural and religious beliefs. Some cultures emphasize gender-segregated swimming sessions, while others encourage mixed-gender participation. Understanding these cultural nuances is essential in appreciating the diverse ways people engage within communal swimming spaces.
Technology and modern influences have altered human behaviour in swimming pools. While traditional pool interactions relied solely on face-to-face engagement, modern swimmers often bring waterproof gadgets and fitness trackers. These devices impact social behaviour by shifting focus from direct human interaction to individualistic experiences. Fitness swimmers may be more absorbed in tracking their lap times than in engaging with fellow swimmers, for instance.
By studying interactions in the unique setting of a community swimming pool, one gains valuable insight into the ways humans navigate shared environments.
From children forming instant friendships to adults negotiating lane etiquette, the pool offers a rich tapestry of social dynamics waiting to be explored.
Chandrakant Shah, MD, FRCPC, O.ONT., Dr. Sc. (Hon), Professor Emeritus, Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, is an honorary consulting physician, Anishnawbe Health Toronto. He is the author of To Change the World: My Work with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Canada.