Respecting Others: A Key Tenet at Local Swimming Pools
In the confines of a swimming pool, respect can significantly enhance everyone’s experience, as emphasized by a local field manager.
Recently, competitive swimmer Louna Kasvio, 19, took to social media to share her troubling experiences at the Espoonlahti swimming pool, where she faced a barrage of unsettling behavior during her training sessions. Kasvio recounted encounters that included unwarranted touching, verbal abuse, and even spitting. She noted that this negative treatment seemed to stem predominantly from male swimmers and had persisted for years. In a conversation with HS, she elaborated on the distressing incidents.
Contrarily, Kimmo Laitinen, the field manager for the City of Espoo, expressed surprise at Kasvio’s claims. “We read about it in the newspaper just like everyone else,” he remarked to Iltalehti. During the particular training session in question, Kasvio’s father was present but did not report any issues to staff at that time.
While Laitinen pledged to convene a meeting with swimming staff to discuss operating procedures, he also stated he had no reason to believe that supervision had faltered. “We remind our team that if they notice anything amiss, they should immediately ask if someone needs help,” he advised.
Interventions Galore
Espoonlahti’s swimming supervisor, Enni Ronkainen, assured that staff have intervened when disturbances occurred. However, she acknowledged that the presence of competitive swimmers often elicits strong reactions from others. “It stirs emotions—and not all feedback is positive,” she explained.
A Pattern of Abuse
Reflecting on her experiences, Kasvio revealed she had been subjected to unwanted contact since the age of 12, suggesting some individuals may struggle with the idea of a woman swimming faster than them. “When I overtake someone, I sometimes feel a hand on my back pushing me down, or I might encounter a deliberately excessive elbow swing during a pass,” she recounted.
Laitinen pondered the possibility that the climate in the lanes may be worsening. “According to the information I have, things haven’t escalated, but if Louna has repeatedly communicated her discomfort, we must acknowledge that it has deteriorated. I cannot fully address it without more information,” he said, displaying a rare moment of concern.
Guidelines on Track Usage
Kasvio’s comments also revealed that she had been swimming on lanes designated for fast swimmers—a privilege extended to any swimmer meeting that description. Laitinen reiterated that while Kasvio is welcome on those lanes, structured and focused training requires a reservation. He painted a hypothetical scenario of chaos if multiple club swimmers were allowed to freely mingle among casual swimmers. “It breeds resentment,” he noted.
While local swimming pools uphold a code of conduct, it does not expressly detail how to navigate lane etiquette—perhaps because it mirrors general social interactions. “It’s simply about being considerate of one another. Everyone has to gauge their own pace,” Laitinen said with a smile. “Understanding the dynamics of swimming in a shared space shouldn’t be rocket science.”
A Call for Common Sense
Louna Kasvio is no stranger to the Espoonlahti swimming hall, as Laitinen recognizes her and her father’s practice of reserving lanes during off-peak hours. Generally, disturbances at the pool are infrequent, and Laitinen describes the overall atmosphere as conducive to peaceful swimming, despite occasional complaints.
He concluded with a sentiment that could resonate far beyond the confines of a swimming pool: “Let’s all be mindful of each other and approach interactions with a straightforward and respectful demeanor. That way, everyone enjoys their time here.”