Chinese swimming pool makes waves with women-only lane

The managers of a swimming pool in southern China have stirred a debate on gender equality by setting aside one lane exclusively for women.

The restriction was enforced at a pool in Guangzhou in Guangdong province, the Southern Metropolis News reported.

Both sexes can swim in all the other lanes, but men and boys are barred from the area set aside for females, the report said.

Women using the pool have largely praised the move.

“I like the arrangement. Women swimmers can swim in women’s lanes, but those who swim well can go to general lanes,” one woman said.

A manager at the pool said the arrangement was made after complaints from some women.