Glossary
Modest swimwear
Swimwear that covers more of the body, such as long sleeves and leggings. Ask your pool what's allowed.
Modest swimwear is swimwear that covers more of the body than a typical swimsuit, such as long-sleeved tops, leggings, swim dresses or head coverings made for the water. For many families, including many Muslim and South Asian families, it is what makes swimming and swim lessons possible.
Dress rules can be a real barrier to learning to swim. Pediatrician Anisa Ibrahim, writing for AAP Voices (opens in a new tab) in 2019, says swim attire that conflicts with cultural or religious norms is a common reason some families decline swim lessons. She argues that long-sleeved swimwear or leggings under shorts should be acceptable, and describes a 2006 Seattle pilot of women-only swim sessions, with female lifeguards and window shades, that was so popular slots often sold out. (The views in AAP Voices are the author's own.)
Practical tips:
- ask a pool or program about its swimwear policy before you sign up;
- ask whether it offers women-only or family sessions.
Learning to swim matters at every age: about 40 million U.S. adults say they can't swim (CDC (opens in a new tab)). See swimming with modesty and water safety in desi communities.
What you can do today: call your local pool and ask what swimwear it allows and whether it has women-only sessions.