swimming while on period

[boninclyde]

We invited some kids over to our pool yesterday and one young girl was on her period (her 2nd day). I would not let her go swimming. She said she was told water would stop her period. Is this true? And can't you get some type of infection? Sorry for the crazy question. When her mother found out she did not get to swim because of her period she said it would not have hurt her to have swam. I personally thought it would be very unsanitary since most kids get the water in their mouth. We did not leave her out of the activities some swam for awhile and then we all played inside games.

[boninclyde]

Thanks. Yes I just ask a question. Isn't that what this is for advice, ect? No need to answer. I can take the crtisim. I ignore it. You're right the girls mother was not mad at all. She seemed unsure herself. Anyway we are all friends and the girl will be back soon. Thanks Again.

[Kalio1]

You are wrong on both ocunts, it is NOT unsanitary in the least and there is no way it can cause an infection nor could she get an infection from swimming on her period.
You might think she was "comfortable" talking about it but I doubt that is true, it sounds like she handled herself very well in a very embarrasing situation that you created. I think you owe her an apology.

[boninclyde]

Thanks for all the responses.

Chris:  Thanks Chris. The little girl approached me with    
        the situation so apparently she was also unsure.

Kalio:  If you can, read the post maybe there you will find  
        the answer to your question. And no one said I brought  
        attention to her in a social situation. There were  
        lots of kids and they were all doing their on thing.    
        I wonder why some people answer post if they can't  
        even read.

Glad to be a mom/Shyan: I don't think chlorine desolves blood
        clots.

Demi:   Thanks. I felt unsure at first but not now. I wonder why
        that little girls mother did not talk to the little girl
        about such a sensitive subject before bringing her to a
        pool party. I have 3 little girls. I certainly would
        have talked to them. Strange she felt so comfortable  
        talking to me instead of mom.

Thanks all. Going on a much needed vacation. Traveling around the world for 5/6 weeks. Later.

[crystaly]

Hi, I think you handled the situation in a sensitive manner by the sounds of it. You sound to me like you were unsure about the effects of this young person being on her period and her swimming with other children. As the saying goes better to be safe than sorry. If the young person had a problem with your actions I,m sure her mum would have been in contact with you like a bolt of lightning. If the young person had felt uncomfortable she 1. wouldn't have told you she was on her period and 2. once you'd spoken to her would have wanted to go home immediately or would have been withdrawn and not joined in any activities.  Actions in young people speak louder than words and the fact that this young person had a good time says it all relly.  I think you acted appropiatly . Take Care. Chris

[myproblem]

The water would be safe, but it daes not actualy "stop" the period. Most people will not flow in the water because the water pressure is greater than the gravity of their period, but if it gets heavy, it can flow out. As for embarassing the girl, the most embarrasing thing would be to have someone see her leak, especially if there were boys there. I'm sure the reason she told you was becase she was unsure whether swimming would be a good idea. A tampon is just a good idea, and if her mother wants her to swim on her period, she really should teach her to use one. That will save her from being really embarased. I think you chose the lesser of two evils, and it didn't really sound like her mom was mad. I agree that if the girl had really been upset, she would not have participated, and you would have been able to tell. I'm surprised how many people had such an attacking attitude here. some seemed to be chastizing rateher than giving advice.

[glad2bamom]

The chlorine levels in the pool, if kept at their appropriate measures, would've kept everyone safe, even if it were possible to transmit something in that way.  Our pool is concrete on the bottom, and kids are constantly stubbing their toes etc...and we put a band-aid on, and they get right back in.  This is a pool that is monitored and checked by health dept. personnel, as well as maintained by several lifeguards.
She would've been fine, but I understand, as a parent your desire to keep all the kids "safe".  However, if you research with a pool company, they will tell you that the chemicals are designed to do such a thing...otherwise, kids would get sick constantly from the urine, sweat, snot...and other unseen things in the water.