WITH the holidays coming to an end and temperatures soaring, many families have been flocking to pools and beaches to cool off.

While most visitors enjoy themselves and adhere to the rules, one Durban resident has sparked debate after posting a TikTok video complaining about regulations at a popular public pool.

In the trending video, which has received mixed reactions online, the man expresses his disappointment, saying: “You come into the pool and they tell you no front stroke, no butterfly.” He then reads the rules displayed on a board before asking, “Is this a jacuzzi-type of pool where you just sit?”

According to a former employee at a public swimming pool, the rules are enforced at municipal pools during the festive season to maintain safety and prevent misconduct, including the smuggling of drugs and alcohol.

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He also urged parents not to drop off children unattended.

“Children need to be accompanied by adults, and people must wear proper swimwear,” he said.

While some social media users found the rule banning cough syrup unusual, the former employee explained that the syrup is often mixed with cool drinks to intoxicate users.

“The reason open bottles are not allowed is because people dilute alcohol in them and also use Stanley cups to conceal liquor,” he added.

He further explained that diving and acrobatic swimming can result in serious injuries or drowning if someone lands on another swimmer.

“These rules are there to maintain law and order, and people need to adhere to them for everyone’s safety,” he said.

The video sparked a wide range of reactions online. Some comments included:

“I understand everything but the T-shirt and camping chair rules. Must my granny sit on the floor and swim in a bikini?”

“Perfectly good rules for a family pool.”

“No pissing and shitting in the water.”

“Those are all reasonable no’s if you ask me.”

“This is Westville Pool. They still maintain order there. I love it.”

“Then go to one of the other public pools.”

@slimnotshady6 Naughty pools here #slay #ttws ♬ original sound – Slim 27 👑

The rules listed at the pool include:

– No alcohol

– No drugs

– No cough syrup

– No open bottles

– No speakers

– No gazebos

– No swimming with T-shirts or vests

– No pass-outs

– No diving

– No backflips

– No camping chairs with covers

– No gas or braais

– No hookah pipes

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