Balancing privacy and public safety for women of Muslim faith in aquatic facilities
I’m reaching out to try and gather information on how other municipalities and organizations across the province are addressing privacy concerns raised by Muslim women participating in aquatic programming. Specifically, we are reviewing approaches related to window coverings, for both interior and exterior glazing in community indoor pools.
As we explore potential solutions, we want to ensure we strike an appropriate balance between respecting participant privacy and maintaining essential public safety requirements, including visibility, supervision, and clear points of egress.
Looking for the following information:
Any current practices or design standards you use to address privacy for women-only or culturally sensitive aquatic programs
Types of window coverings or treatments you’ve found effective (e.g., blinds, films, temporary barriers, architectural solutions)
How you’ve addressed safety considerations such as line-of-sight for lifeguards, emergency exits, or CPTED principles
Any lessons learned, challenges, or policies that have helped guide your approach
If you have photos, guidelines, or policy documents you’re able to share, those would also be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your help. Your input will be valuable as we work toward an approach that is respectful, safe, and operationally sound. We are happy to share any findings with the group at our Spring meeting.