Private changing and bathing stalls will soon be installed at all pools in Reykjavík to better serve those pool visitors who cannot or do not wish to change or bathe in front of other people, RÚV reports. There are currently shower stalls with privacy curtains and private changing lockers in all of the city’s pools.
“The private rooms are naturally intended for people with disabilities, for those who need assistance, and also for those who want to be private and maybe come from cultures in which they don’t want to be naked amongst other people,” says Steinþór Einarsson, the City of Reykjavík’s office manager in the Department of Sports and Recreation. The private facilities are also intended to cater to individuals whose religious beliefs may require more modest or private changing areas.
Pool employees have been instructed now on how to introduce Iceland’s pool culture and bathing rules to those who are visiting for the first time. “We give them a little brochure which has all the information in it – how you’re supposed to comport yourself.” But while concessions are being made, perhaps, to pool visitors’ varying accessibility requirements, restrictions, and levels of comfort with public showers, Steinþór says that ultimately, the bathing rules must be adhered to.
“These are our rules…and of course, all Icelandic guests that come to the pool must never let it slide if someone isn’t following the rules. In reality, everyone must act as bathing monitors, as pool monitors.”
