Your baby has the right to be breastfed, and you can breastfeed anywhere, including at your local pool.
Sometimes mums are told not to breastfeed at public pools. This may be due to other people’s views or concerns about rules on bodily fluids.
This isn’t correct. Asking you not to breastfeed is discrimination.
In Australia, breastfeeding is a right, not a privilege.
The Sex Discrimination Act 1984 protects you. This means:
- no one can ask you to stop breastfeeding
- no one can ask you to cover up
- no one can ask you to leave a public place while you’re breastfeeding or expressing.
These laws help create a safe and welcoming space for you and your baby.
Your rights at the pool
You can breastfeed or express in any public area of the pool.
This includes:
- sitting on a chair
- by the pool
- in the water
- in a café or shared space
You can choose the place that feels right for you.
Staff should not ask you to move, stop or cover up. You should never feel pressured to leave or hide while feeding your baby.
Sometimes mums are still told not to breastfeed at public pools. This can happen because of misunderstandings about rules or concerns from others.
In one case, a mum made a complaint to the Human Rights Commission. The pool management apologised, changed their policies and trained their staff.
This shows how these laws help protect your rights.
Breastmilk and pool safety
Breastmilk is safe around pools.
- Breastmilk does not pose a health risk to other swimmers.
- Pools use chlorine to keep the water clean, even when small amounts of bodily fluids are present.
- It’s safe to swim if your breasts leak milk.
What about vomiting?
Babies sometimes bring up milk but breastfeeding doesn’t make vomiting more likely.
If your baby vomits often, you’ll usually already have ways to manage this when you’re out.
Chlorine keeps the pool water clean.
What about ‘no eating’ rules?
Pools often don’t allow food or drink in the water.
Breastfeeding is different:
- Breastmilk doesn’t contaminate the water like other food or drinks.
- Babies need to feed when they need to feed.
- Breastfeeding is not just about nutrition. It’s also about comfort and connection.
For aquatic centre and pool staff - some tips to handle complaints
1. Stay calm and polite
Listen to the person's concern without judgement or showing frustration.
2. Explain the law
Politely let them know that breastfeeding is natural and a legal right protected by Australian law, including at the pool.
3. Support the mother
If the mum hears the complaint, reassure her that she is welcome to breastfeed and does not need to move or cover up.
4. Provide education
Kindly explain that breastfeeding is normal and that your centre supports all families.
© Australian Breastfeeding Association January 2025
This information is as accurate as possible but is not intended to be relied on as legal advice.
