[shrink]

I don't like this type of post, but I am so disgruntled about what happened to my deaf friend at this pool today, I feel I should say something. My friend is profoundly deaf. We came to the pool today, and there were three "ladies" water-walking and talking with each other. My friend and I were the only other people in the pool. We were talking and signing to each other while doing some light walking and exercising. Because she can't hear, she accidentally bumped (gently) into the women twice (they were coming up behind her and she stepped back). She politely apologized to them. One of the women told her to stay out of their way. I signed to my friend what had been said, and my friend replied, "well, there is a whole pool here". The response from one of the women was, "We were here first!". Where are we? Is this first grade? Do these people think they own the pool? And what about compassion in Florida's friendliest hometown? My friend copes with enough challenge in this world without selfish and inconsiderate people adding to her difficulties. I hope these folks don't attend church on Sundays and declare themselves holy. One would think and hope that by the time we become senior citizens, we would have developed a spirit of sharing and caring. I was so hurt for my friend. Now I'm just angry... Thanks to all who read and think about this post. Maybe it will make a difference in the future (I hope).

[ilovetv]

This sums it up: "Is this first grade? Do these people think they own the pool?"

I've seen this before, too, where a water-walking group of "females" (not lady-like) takes over the whole length and width of a neighborhood pool, driving out individuals who want a normal amount of space to either work out or float.

To me, groups of water walkers belong in a sport pool, during designated times that are not lap-swim times.

And then to treat a deaf person this way is really stinky.

[njbchbum]

So sorry that happened to you and your friend! I understand totally! Based on the most unwelcoming experience when I first went to my neighborhood pool I subsequently went back and still go just for spite! Snowbirds are not welcome at our pool - we take up space that the year-round folks think belongs to them. I loved asking one of the women where the space was that my amenities had paid for while I was gone as I wanted to use it now that I was there!

[redwitch]

Class shows. So does lack of class. From what you described, I'd say your friend has a lot of class. Sadly, these water walkers showed their lack of class. Even more sadly, I think I would have shown a tremendous amount of lack of class as I told these women exactly what I thought of their "we were there first" attitude.

[Nursebarb1]

Oh my goodness. I seldom post a comment, but I'm breaking my own rule. I can't believe the entitlement of these rude folks. People, go to a sports pool if you want to do laps.

[Happinow]

This type of behavior is sad and unacceptable. Shame on those women. I hope your friend finds a more people friendly pool.

[Indydealmaker]

Originally Posted by shrink

I don't like this type of post, but I am so disgruntled about what happened to my deaf friend at this pool today, I feel I should say something. My friend is profoundly deaf. We came to the pool today, and there were three "ladies" water-walking and talking with each other. My friend and I were the only other people in the pool. We were talking and signing to each other while doing some light walking and exercising. Because she can't hear, she accidentally bumped (gently) into the women twice (they were coming up behind her and she stepped back). She politely apologized to them. One of the women told her to stay out of their way. I signed to my friend what had been said, and my friend replied, "well, there is a whole pool here". The response from one of the women was, "We were here first!". Where are we? Is this first grade? Do these people think they own the pool? And what about compassion in Florida's friendliest hometown? My friend copes with enough challenge in this world without selfish and inconsiderate people adding to her difficulties. I hope these folks don't attend church on Sundays and declare themselves holy. One would think and hope that by the time we become senior citizens, we would have developed a spirit of sharing and caring. I was so hurt for my friend. Now I'm just angry... Thanks to all who read and think about this post. Maybe it will make a difference in the future (I hope).

Just tell them that you are so very, very sorry that they are in such a bitchy mood just because they cannot afford their own pool.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by ilovetv

I've seen this before, too, where a water-walking group of "females" (not lady-like) takes over the whole length and width of a neighborhood pool, driving out individuals who want a normal amount of space to either work out or float.
To me, groups of water walkers belong in a sport pool, during designated times that are not lap-swim times.

This often happens at our adult pool where a group of water walkers takes over the whole width of the pool and half the length. And they stay in the water for most of the afternoon. The people who swim for exercise usually wait until 6 PM to swim.

[graciegirl]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

This often happens at our adult pool where a group of water walkers takes over the whole width of the pool and half the length. And they stay in the water for most of the afternoon. The people who swim for exercise usually wait until 6 PM to swim.

Do you go to Tall Trees too, Bare?

[folkh]

Repeat to yourself Forgive Them Lord for They Know Not What They Say or Do!! Then you and your friend have a wonderful day together!!

[senior citizen]

Originally Posted by folkh

Repeat to yourself Forgive Them Lord for They Know Not What They Say or Do!! Then you and your friend have a wonderful day together!!

That is wise advice.....as confrontation is not a good idea with the way society has changed. Long gone are the polite manners, consideration , compassion and just general tolerance for those different. Perhaps the ones exhibiting this (what I call) immature schoolgirl behavior, are in early stage Alzheimers when beliggerance is rearing it's ugly head. As someone has mentioned in the past, rudeness is even apparent in church parking lots, after the sermon. Go figure.

As far as hearing impaired, or people with disabilities, "there but for the Grace of God go I." Like what's the hurry? Walking in water?

Retirement is endless days and nights, with endless hours. No rush.

[PattyCakes]

Originally Posted by Barefoot

This often happens at our adult pool where a group of water walkers takes over the whole width of the pool and half the length. And they stay in the water for most of the afternoon. The people who swim for exercise usually wait until 6 PM to swim.

My husband has back problems and his doctor told him to walk in the pool. Unfortunately, he was almost mowed down by a group of women who were "water walking." Come on, gals. Take the water walking to a sports pool that has laps. Share the pool with other folks, for cryin' out loud.

[Cedwards38]

I believe we do have an overabundance of selfishness and self centeredness in The Villages, and we should all work on correcting that in ourselves. I'm sorry this happened.

[KathieI]

I don't go to the neighborhood pools just because I'm busy with other things and I miss it because I always had my own pool in Calif. Lately, I've been wondering why is everyone building their own pools when we have so many around TV, now I know why!!! Wow, how rude and annoying. I think I'll continue to stay away from pools, who needs this aggravation.

[2BNTV]

Originally Posted by folkh

Repeat to yourself Forgive Them Lord for They Know Not What They Say or Do!! Then you and your friend have a wonderful day together!!

This is always good advice, to preserve one's sanity.

However, forgive them, my butt. These people are rude and inconsiderate like the one's who save seats several hours before a concert/event. I was at SS the other day around noon, and several seats were tied up, and or had seat paddings on them, for the R&R band concert.

Some people have the herd mentality and or think, they are the only people in the world that count. Just ask them, they will tell you. This is immature thinking, at it's best. I would like to pity them, but they have no intention of ever changing for the better, so forgiveness is not something that is deserving. I would not be able to forgive them, so I'll have to hand the job to GOD. GOD has a funny sense of humor, and he dishes out punishment for mean people. "Mean people stink".

I'm so sorry this happened to your friend, as she is a "class act" for responding appropriately.

Just remember. "Man plans, GOD laughs".