Blue Mountains Council Faces Backlash Over G-String Bikini Ban at Pools
Image: Photo by Jay Wennington
The Blue Mountains City Council has faced backlash after introducing a ban on G-string bikinis at its leisure centres. The move has sparked an outcry from some residents and visitors who are questioning the new rules.
Blue Mountains Leisure Centres (BMLC), a division of the council, recently confirmed the ban following confusion among visitors.
Earlier this month, Blue Mountains Leisure Centres (BMLC) took to Facebook to address growing confusion over what constitutes “appropriate swimwear” at its pools. The leisure centre group operates five facilities including Glenbrook Swim Centre, Blackheath Pool, and Lawson Swim Centre.
BMLC Clarifies Swimwear Guidelines
BMLC explained that the images were intended to serve as guidelines, not strict rules. However, it clarified that one particular image, showing “revealing swimwear/thongs,” had caused some misunderstanding.
In a now-deleted Facebook post, the council explained that the image depicting “revealing swimwear/thongs” specifically referred to thongs and G-strings, not bikini tops and bottoms.
“It’s important to remember that these images are indicative only,” the post said.
“Thongs and G-string swimwear is not acceptable for males or females when visiting our leisure centres,” the statement read.
The statement went on to assure visitors that “bikinis are acceptable and considered recognised swimwear.”
The BMLC website reinforces this policy in its conditions of entry. For example, the conditions of entry for Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre clearly states, “All patrons are encouraged to shower thoroughly before entering the pool and recognised swimwear must be worn. Recognised swimwear does not include G-strings.”
The conditions also outline that patrons who fail to comply with any of these conditions may be refused entry to a leisure centre or have their membership revoked immediately, without a refund for any paid fees.
The council’s decision has drawn mixed reactions.
Supporters argue that the move is necessary to maintain a respectful and family-friendly environment at public pools.
Others, however, have voiced their frustration, with some claiming that the ban is overly restrictive and infringes on personal choice.
G-String Bikini Ban Controversy
It’s not the first time G-string bikinis have sparked debate. Last year, Gold Coast resident Ian Grace controversially called for a ban on G-strings at Australian beaches, claiming that women and girls who wear them are “cheapening themselves.”
“We don’t need it,” he said in a radio interview last February.
“I believe the women themselves are demeaning and cheapening themselves. I think that’s wrong for young women,” Grace said.
Many social media users have slammed Grace’s comments, labelling them outdated and judgmental.
Australian curve model Jess King took to social media with a video, mocking the G-string bikini criticism. In the clip, she pretends to throw out all her bikinis, captioning it: “Me throwing out all my bikinis because @JohnnyVass13 says that no one needs to see my fat ass.” Many applauded King’s response.
“You’re a blessing darl!” one person wrote.
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