Clarifying General Pool Rules
A swimmer observes signs or hears announcements and wants to confirm general rules such as 'no diving,' 'no running,' or 'shower before entering,' and asks a staff member for clarification.
Dialogue
Listen and follow along with the conversation
Vocabulary
Essential words and phrases from the dialogue
clarify
To explain something clearly to avoid confusion. Use it when you need more details about rules or instructions.
rules
Guidelines or laws that must be followed in a place like a pool. They help keep everyone safe.
diving
Jumping into water headfirst with your body straight. In pools, it's often not allowed for safety.
prohibited
Something that is not allowed by rules. Say 'prohibited' when explaining bans, like 'running is prohibited.'
deck
The flat area around a swimming pool where people walk. It's important to know because rules often apply there too.
slippery
Something wet and smooth that makes it easy to fall. Use it to describe dangerous wet surfaces like pool decks.
mandatory
Required; you must do it. For example, showering before entering the pool is mandatory for hygiene.
hygiene
Practices to keep clean and healthy. In pools, it means showering to keep the water clean for all.
Key Sentences
Important phrases to remember and practice
Excuse me, I just wanted to clarify a few things about the pool rules.
This is a polite way to start a conversation and ask for explanation. Use it when you see signs but need more details. 'Wanted to' is past tense for politeness.
Certainly, I'm here to help. What would you like to know?
A helpful response from staff. 'Certainly' means 'of course.' Use this to offer assistance and ask for specifics in service situations.
Is it strictly 'no diving' anywhere in the pool?
Asking for confirmation about a rule. 'Strictly' means completely enforced. Useful for checking if a ban applies everywhere; question form with 'is it' for yes/no answers.
For safety reasons, diving is not permitted in any area of the pool.
Explaining a rule with a reason. 'Not permitted' is formal for 'not allowed.' Use this pattern to give reasons: 'For [reason], [action] is not [allowed].'
What about the 'no running' rule? Does that apply to the pool deck as well?
Following up on another rule. 'What about' introduces a new question. 'As well' means 'also.' Great for clarifying if rules extend to other areas.
The pool deck can be very slippery when wet, so running is prohibited to prevent accidents.
Giving a reason for a rule with 'so' for cause and effect. 'To prevent' shows purpose. Use this to explain why rules exist in everyday conversations.
Is showering before entering the pool mandatory?
Yes/no question about a requirement. 'Mandatory' means must do. Useful in places with hygiene rules; structure: 'Is [action] [adjective]?'
It's for hygiene purposes, to keep the pool water clean for everyone. Thanks for asking!
Explaining purpose with 'for [reason]' and infinitive 'to [goal].' Ends positively. Use to respond helpfully and encourage questions.