Photo by Zachary Siebert / St. Joseph News-Press / Purchase this photo

In an effort to protect patrons’ privacy from easily concealed phone cameras, the Maryville Aquatic Center has adopted a ban on all cell phones at its facilities.

Cell phones are everywhere these days. Just don’t try to use one at the Maryville Aquatic Center (MAC).

This summer marks the third summer the MAC has placed a ban on all cell phones.

“It’s nothing that has happened to us up here, but in the aquatic industry, there has been discussion about it for a while,” MAC Supervisor Shelly Hersh said.

With so many cell phones having built-in cameras, Ms. Hersh says the issue becomes apparent in the locker room facilities. The rule is to help insure patrons’ privacy.

While digital cameras are allowed at the MAC, Ms. Hersh says cell phones are different.

“With a camera, you know your photo is being taken,” she said. “A cell phone, you aren’t sure if they are texting or taking a picture.”

The policy is inconvenient, say some pool users. Toni Schafer takes her two young sons to the MAC sometimes five times a week. She also says she uses her phone occasionally but gets reminded through the loud speaker that it’s not allowed.

“I’m 38. I’m a mom. If I want to use my phone, I should be able to use it,” Ms. Schafer said.

The MAC encourages parents who send their children with cell phones to make sure the kids leave the phones in a basket at the front desk. Ms. Hersh says people who leave their phones at the desk can check them at any time and may use them outside of the facilities and will be allowed to re-enter.

Ms. Hersh also said she hopes the policy will help deter theft and water damage to phones.

Jende Smith, aquatic supervisor for St. Joseph pools, says Maryville’s policy isn’t anything St. Joseph will be adopting any time soon.

“We constantly patrol the bathrooms and locker rooms,” Ms. Smith said. “If they have a phone out in the facilities, we usually ask them to put it away. But other than that, they are fine to have them.”

Megan Tilk can be reached

at megantilk@npgco.com.