Charlotte County to allow pool "noodles" for exercise after residents' protests; staff to prepare waiver or electronic opt-in

Several Charlotte County residents pressed the Board of County Commissioners Oct. 28 to restore the use of foam flotation "noodles" at county pools for aquatic exercise and therapy, and commissioners instructed staff to prepare a quick administrative fix.

Speakers at the 1 p.m. public-input session described the noodle as an exercise and rehabilitation aid used by older swimmers and people with mobility issues. "It—s for your therapy, for your back and your legs," said Charles Coker, a Port Charlotte resident, who added that losing noodles had curtailed regular exercise for seniors.

County staff told commissioners the limitation stemmed from a risk-management decision requiring approved flotation devices for general pool use. Commissioners directed the administration and county attorney to prepare an appropriate liability release, waiver or electronic opt-in (for example a QR-code sign-up tied to a pool pass) and to publish a public notice. County Administrator Hector Flores told the board staff would return updates as soon as possible and could implement an administrative fix without further board action if the attorney agreed.

Why it matters: Commissioners described the issue as a quality-of-life matter affecting older residents and people undergoing physical therapy. They expressed skepticism that routine noodle use posed a safety risk and sought an inexpensive administrative solution so residents could resume regular exercise.

Next steps: Administration will draft the waiver/opt-in form, explore an electronic check-in option, and prepare outreach so pool users know how to resume noodle-based exercise. If the county attorney or risk office determines no waiver is sufficient, staff will report back to the board.

Ending: Commissioners asked staff to act quickly and to post the change publicly once legal review is complete.