Thanks guys for saying all that ...
UnknownJulie, when was the last time you were at ANY other Pool here ? The rules are there for good reason ... I've seen it happen too many times with even our more calm Swim Team Kids. "Please walk" over and over, but they start wiggling around on deck and its almost automatic one of them slips and goes down.
Julie, you got the whole ocean in your backyard .. I suggest you get your kids over to it.
LOL KeaauRich > Pohoiki comes straight to mind : )
No worries, ohana style good but sometimes big brother, sister not paying attention to younger siblings.
I've put quite a few little ones back on boards, pushed floaty back to them and gently redirected them back in. All good when look and get thanks from momma / poppa / aunty / uncle ready to jump in. Usually this followed by a tongue lashing of the elder one. EH, I TOL U WACH U SISTA !!!
aloha,
pog
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I dont take my kids to the pools anymore because they are not allowed to play there, and so what is the point? Do you think 5 or 6 yr olds are going to patiently do laps? Are the pools for family enjoyment or just for a select few that want to swim laps? The kids are not even allowed to jump off the diving board in Pahoa unless there is enough staffing and usually there is not.
WOW Julie, there are things you just don't know about swimming, pools and even kids.
Along with his teammates, my child has been swimming laps and loving it since he was 4. These kids still get to have fun and develop skills and useful technique.
I suggest you try enroll your kids in one of the many programs available. Swimming is calming for the kids and is a life sport if there ever was one.
Unless YOUR kids are 'brats', they will appreciate the structure and discipline they get from instructors and then can have even MORE fun in the ocean. +++ Is better safety, confidence and awareness as well.
pog
Edit to add: Who knows ? ... Maybe they will grow up to be volunteer lifeguards.
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I'm not sure how "Pahoa Pool Closed" turned into a parenting topic, but I'd like to get it back on track.
We used to swim at the Pahoa pool 4 times a week, at least, until the closure which, as I recall, was in early January. I've emailed the point of contact for the Hawaii County aquatics division several times asking about the progress of the project but have only been told it's "on track."
I encourage everyone who enjoyed the pool and would like it to be reopened as soon as possible to contact:
RECREATION ADMINISTRATOR: MASON A. SOUZA
ADDRESS: Richardson Ocean Center, 2349 Kalanianaole Avenue, Hilo, HI 96720
PHONE: (808) 961-8694
FAX: (808) 961-8696
EMAIL: aquatics@co.hawaii.hi.us
Or contact the Mayor's office.
I would have been happy to have been swimming in the cold water these past 3 months instead of having the pool closed for what seems to be no real reason. It's possible they have at least been working on the pumps but who knows?
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[quote]Originally posted by John the Architect
Isn't that an oxymoron, a fat lifeguard? The guards that I have seen are athletic and professional. And on top of that, you say they were racist, in Puna? I only swim there on my school holidays from teaching but do not recognize the scenario you are describing.
John, I agree that the lifeguards at Pahoa pool are always professional. I was swimming there 4 times a week until the recent closure and I never once saw a lifeguard saying or doing anything that could be describe as other than professional.
I don't want to dignify the other poster's ridiculous statement by quoting it but, anyone who has a problem with a county employee's behavior should either take it up with the head lifeguard or contact the county instead of trying to smear someone on this forum.
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My two cents: I went to the Pahoa pool once, but also found it a bit restrictive. While I acknowledge rules are important and necessary, I am a school teacher, I think that not allowing floaty arms and small inter tubes is a little over the top. We travel a lot in the summer and the pool by my kid's grandparents home(San Diego) is much more "accepting" of children. They have allotted times to accommodate everyone. There is a 2 hour block of family swim time, which is family friendly, there are also blocks of "adult only" swim time which is I think what Julie was trying to refer to. I think this is a reasonable. While I can see the problem with big rafts and bouncing balls, i do not see a problem with my 4 year old wearing floaty arms and a small inter tube. We prefer Onekahakaha, the ocean water is better for you, but it would be nice to have a choice. I'm not sure why everyone was so hard on Julie, her points seemed valid to me. keep the aloha folks..
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Thankyou Nalu! YEs, I have also swam in public pools that allowed small swim accessories (what are here considered "toys"), and it was far more family friendly. Now, I do also want to address some of the other comments regarding "50% of the people not watching their kids in the water or whatever". Totally untrue. I think the people on the big island really love their kids and take good care of them. I do not see a lot of neglect. I do hear more swearing than I am used to, and I have seen people hit their kids with rubber slippers, but I dont consider this abuse. I have also seen rich white people not paying attention to their 3 yr old in the pool, while the parents were preoccupied with adult conversations. IF the people here aren't watching their kids in the water then why is it the tourists that are usually the ones that drown?
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"rich white people".....wow!... white equals rich....just another racist day in paradise.
riverwolf
riverwolf
Oh Man ... Where to start ? " Rich white people ? ! " Where are they ??? I really should stop here and chalk this up as a racist's opinion and ingnorance but no can stop. Well Julie, I hope you are no longer "unknown" here on Punaweb 'cause now you reveal your true colors and OMG, its not so pretty.
FWIW >>>> Believe me Julie, there ARE eyes on the keiki .. In pool or ocean ... You have a LOT to learn.
As for the visitors ... Their mistakes are much like your own.
pog
