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The Rediff Special/Murali Krishnan

The salwar-kameez makes a splash

It is a sight not familiar in pools in India, but it is happening in the heart of England.

Asian women, especially those from India and Pakistan, have been given the go-ahead to walk off the streets and dive straight into swimming pools -- with their clothes on!

Auntyjis and young girls alike have been spotted doggy-paddling and doing the breaststroke in their silk salwar-kameez.

This strange spectacle can be seen at pools across Luton, in south-east England, following a council ruling which aims to take into account the cultural and religious sensitivities of Asians wishing to take the plunge.

The gesture has been greeted warmly by the Commission for Racial Equality for helping to promote better relations between different racial groups. The unique scheme is currently in operation in four swimming pools in the town.

The Luton Council says: "We accept that. For religious reasons, some Asian women may want to keep their bodies covered."

While leggings and T-shirts are also allowed in the pools, the traditional salwar-kameez seems to be more popular.

But saris, jeans, and baggy clothes will not be allowed for reasons of health and safety.

"We do not allow women to wear saris in the pool because they might hamper the swimmer," said a council official.

Jon Walker, duty manager of Lea Manor Recreation Centre, said: "Wearing clothes in a swimming pool has to be carefully monitored, otherwise they might get caught in the filtration system."

There is also the hygiene aspect to be considered as more chlorine may have to be added because sweaty clothes worn straight off the streets will pollute the pools.

Special sessions for women from ethnic minority backgrounds - where windows are blacked out and female lifeguards are on duty -- are already a regular feature.

Another recreational swimming pool spokesperson said: "The move to allow Asian women to cover up in the pool is great news. It will be easier for them to splash around and [will] also encourage them to bring their aunts and sisters."

The decision has been welcomed by Asians in Luton. "It might be late to start swimming, but it is good exercise," said Kirti Kaur, a housewife.

She and her friends have been hitting the pools thrice a week. It may be a problem to splash in with all the paraphernalia, but that does not seem to bother the women.

"Most Asian women understand they can't just wear what they like. The council is only bending the rules a little by changing the meaning of swimsuits," said one official.

Women so far have been coming in wearing leggings and a simple T-shirt, salwar-kameez suits, and all-in-ones.

The Rediff Specials

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