Philadephia Woman Banned From Pool Because Guards Thought Her Bikini Was Underwear: And The Difference Is …?

Lisa Conn, 30, was prevented from entering two public swimming pools in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, because the guards did not believe that her American Apparel bikini was actually a bikini.

They said it looked as if she was wearing a bra and panties.

Conn complained that the guards “harassed and ridiculed” her swimwear. She said:

“I am flat-chested. My two-piece reveals nothing. I don’t know if this is a bullying thing, a race thing, or humiliating women for the sake of it.
But I pay my taxes and I love my pool. I don’t want any woman to be made to feel the way that I feel.”

Conn also alleged that the guard then told a male lifeguard to check if there was a maker’s tag inside the bikini bottoms.

The Daily Mail reports that, ultimately, the guard relented, and allowed her to swim, but not without commenting. Conn said, “He told everyone that I was swimming in a bra and panties. I finally left, asking for his name, which he refused to give me. I came in smiling and happy and left on the verge of tears.”

Incredibly, Conn claims that she was harassed at a different pool the next day. Again there was a male guard. She said, “I was not allowed to swim at all. He also used the term ‘bra and panties.'”

According to a report from Philly Mag, Lisa Conn’s experience is not unique as the same thing has happened to a number of other women.

Lisa Whittle, the Philadelphia Parks & Recreation aquatics coordinator, said that what had happened to Conn was “unfortunate,” and cited the Pennsylvania health code which forbids swimming in underwear.

American Apparel, never known for missing an opportunity for some juicy publicity, tweeted Lisa offering a selection of their latest collection free of charge:

“Hey Lisa, glad we got in touch. Keep an eye out—you’ll be swimming in AA gifts soon!”

If anyone can explain the difference between a bikini and underwear when it comes to swimming, please use the comments feed below to enlighten our readers