MYNORTHWEST NEWS

City loosens rules to allow some topless swimmers at Seattle pools, beaches

Nov 21, 2012, 7:38 AM | Updated: 1:25 pm

Seattle’s parks director has approved new guidelines for Seattle’s public pools and bea...

Seattle's parks director has approved new guidelines for Seattle's public pools and beaches in response to a controversy over a breast cancer survivor who wanted to swim topless after her double mastectomy. (AP file)

(AP file)

A cancer survivor who was told last summer that she couldn’t swim topless at a Seattle pool has helped force a change in city policy.

The Seattle Parks Department has now published relaxed new rules that require pool supervisors to grant exceptions.

Jodi Jaecks forced the issue, saying swimsuit tops are uncomfortable because of her scars from a double mastectomy.

The new guidelines are posted online and will go up at beaches and pools. The rules prohibit swimsuits that expose female breasts or genitals and exclude other inappropriate clothing, such as thongs.

People who want a special accommodation are required to check with a staff member at the city pool or swimming beach.

MyNorthwest News

power outage...

MyNorthwest Staff

Power restored in Capitol Hill

Power has been restored in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood.

5 hours ago

ferry terminal repairs orcas island...

MyNorthwest Staff

Orcas Island ferry terminal repairs could take 2 weeks as large vehicles remain restricted

Repairs to the Orcas Island ferry terminal’s transfer span could take up to two weeks after engineers found cracks in two supporting steel beams.

6 hours ago

Wilson (1)...

James Lynch

Seattle council to vote on overriding Wilson’s RV permit veto Thursday

A showdown is brewing between Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and the Seattle City Council over RV parking.

7 hours ago

Otter Bar...

Paola Tristan Arruda, KIRO 7 News

Otter Bar to close after seven years as Eastlake construction, rising costs take toll

After seven years in Seattle’s Eastlake neighborhood, Otter Bar is preparing to close its doors for good.

8 hours ago

Sound Transit light rail car stuck...

Frank Lenzi

Car gets stuck near Rainier Beach station in Seattle’s second light rail track incident this year

For the second time this year, a car got stuck on Seattle light rail tracks.

8 hours ago

seattle drug trafficking ghost gun...

MyNorthwest Staff

Seattle man sentenced to 5 years for drug trafficking while armed with ‘ghost gun’

A 24-year-old Seattle man was sentenced Friday to five years in prison for dealing cocaine while armed with a 9mm polymer gun with an extended magazine.

9 hours ago

City loosens rules to allow some topless swimmers at Seattle pools, beaches