Tampere requires assistants to be 15 and able to swim for free pool entry
Tampere has formalised a rule that assistants must be at least 15 and able to swim to receive free entry to the city's swimming halls and the outdoor pool after an eight-year-old was denied free access while trying to help a parent.
An eight-year-old was denied free access when trying to assist a parent at a swimming hall this winter, prompting the city to formalise the rule, Tamperelainen reports.
The cultural and leisure committee adopted the policy after officials realised there was no clear guideline and the matter was raised with the disability council.
Under the new policy, assistants must be at least 15 years old and able to swim to receive free entry to the city's swimming halls and outdoor pool. They must also show a visible assistive device — such as a wheelchair, white cane or rollator — or an EU disability card marked with an 'A'.
Without the card, an assistant may enter changing-room areas free to help with dressing or washing. If they go into the pool and are not actively assisting, they must pay. Sports services said anyone helping in the water must be over 15 and able to swim.
"Unifying the assistant practice improves equality and accessibility of services and makes everyday life easier for customers and staff," Deputy Mayor for Education and Culture Anne-Mari Jussila (National Coalition Party) said in a press release.
Särkänniemi amusement park uses the same A-marking rule and minimum age for free access to rides.
Catch the full story over at Tamperelainen
