Blue Mountains Council reaffirms ‘inappropriate’ swimwear ban

January 7, 2025

Aquatics / Recreation / Retail /

Blue Mountains Leisure Centres, an arm of the Blue Mountains City Council, has reaffirmed via social media, that thongs and g-string swimwear are 'not acceptable' at its facilities.

The reaffirmation on their ‘inappropriate’ swimwear ban followed confusion from visitors to Blue Mountains Leisure Centre pools.

It means the swimwear style is banned at Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre, Springwood Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Blackheath Pool and Glenbrook Swim Centre.

Much of the confusion stemmed from a poster showing the kind of swimwear that is and isn’t appropriate with Council advising “it’s important to remember that these images are indicative only”, with Council noting that this image refers to thongs and g-strings - not bikini tops and bottoms.

Blue Mountains Leisure Centres’ facebook page advises “thongs and g-string swimwear is not acceptable for males or females when visiting our leisure centres. Bikinis are acceptable and considered recognised swimwear.”

Blue Mountains Leisure Centres adds that the terms and conditions of entry to their pools state “all patrons are encouraged to shower thoroughly before entering the pool and recognised swim wear must be worn. Recognised swimwear does not include g-strings."

The Council's action has attracted a range of opinions on social media with some supporting the ban and others opposing it.

In 2019, Perth's Adventure World requested that guests using its waterpark "choose appropriate swimwear when visiting".

The Bibra Lake attraction created headlines when it posted a bather bottom guideline on Facebook, taking a stand against skimpy swimwear at its family-oriented waterpark area.

Asking patrons not to be “too cheeky” when visiting, the dress code immediately sparked fierce debate among followers and subsequent media attention.

The Facebook post advised “Adventure World is a family friendly park, please choose appropriate swimwear when visiting”, alongside an infographic showing that thong and string bikini bottoms were now prohibited.

At the time, it’s official conditions of entry stated that visitors are welcome to wear whatever swimwear they feel comfortable in, “providing it is suitable for a family environment”.

Image credit: Blue Mountains City Council.

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