Seattle woman-only swims: No, it's open to anyone female

Submitted by Margaret Dore (United States), Jul 29, 2017 at 18:18

Below, that only Muslim women are allowed in the women only swim in North Seattle, is out of date.

The article states: "[T]he Muslim Sister Swim is open exclusively to Muslims, no infidel women need apply. I asked a representative of the North Seattle Family Center to explain this, and she told me that it was to respect these immigrant women's culture."

At least since I started attending, a year or two back. The swim is open to any female, any orientation. Sometimes heavier ladies (non-Muslims) show up, who feel more comfortable swimming without the men. I go because the time works for me and I have a swimming buddy who often attends.

Another issue, Seattle has a lot of water so that everyone should be able to swim at least enough to avoid drowning. The women only swim gives the Muslim ladies an opportunity to at least learn basic water safety and/or the ability to float.

I will say that it can be claustrophobic being behind the curtain. The experience has given me some empathy.

Note: Opinions expressed in comments are those of the authors alone and not necessarily those of Daniel Pipes. Original writing only, please. Comments are screened and in some cases edited before posting. Reasoned disagreement is welcome but not comments that are scurrilous, off-topic, commercial, disparaging religions, or otherwise inappropriate. For complete regulations, see the "Guidelines for Reader Comments".