Swim sessions to cater for Muslims (From Surrey Comet)
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Sutton Council women-only swim sessions to cater for Muslims
6:40am Monday 2nd November 2009 in Sutton By Leanne Fender
Sutton Council has launched its first female-only swimming session which it says is suitable for Muslim women.
The council said it had taken care to make sure Muslim women can take part by putting blinds on windows and having female lifeguards and pool staff.
It hopes the new sessions will allow more people in the community to take part in swimming.
Chairman of Sutton Women’s Forum and deputy leader of Sutton Council Councillor Ruth Dombey said: “Whether it’s for religious, cultural or personal reasons, some women prefer not to swim in the presence of men and these sessions give them that opportunity.”
The council says it arranged the weekly session after requests from residents. Women of all ages and abilities are welcome and swimming lessons can be arranged in response to demand.
Ms Dombey said: “There was clearly a local demand and I hope that the sessions prove a success.”
Opposition spokesman on health and adult social services Councillor Stuart Gordon-Bullock said: “If it’s going to encourage women to go swimming, then it’s a good idea.”
Leader of the opposition Councillor Paul Scully said: “Dividing people on cultural, religious and gender issues is not the best way forward.
“If the council is serious about equality and diversity issues it should not be putting barriers between people, it should be bringing people together.”
The swimming sessions will begin at Cheam Leisure Centre on Thursday, November 5 from 3pm to 4pm.
For more information contact Karen Holt on 020 8770 4610 or visit sutton.gov.uk.
