Deep waters
From Mr Richard Bonnor
Sir: I can confirm that the nursemaid mentality unearthed by Ross Clark (Banned wagon, 11 May) is not confined to Letchworth. There is a similar restriction on the children-to-parent ratio at my own local baths at Huddersfield Sports Centre. And if, perchance, you get past the reception desk, there is more to come inside.
My five-year-old twins, who can both swim perfectly well, were cheerfully allowing me to throw them around the learner pool the other day, when I was rebuked by the lifeguard for letting them go out of their depth. Seeking some individual freedom, we decamped to the main pool, where my children started to practise diving in. Obviously we had to do this at a reasonable depth so that they didn't hurt their little heads on the bottom of the pool (there was a notice to this effect, of course). I stayed in the water near their landing area in case they swallowed too much water. We had been going a full two minutes before yet another lifeguard strode up and demanded to know what we were up to.
It didn't end there, either. On our way Out, I saw a notice decreeing that anyone playing football at the sports centre will be required to wear shin pads.
Richard Bonnor
Huddersfield, West Yorkshire
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