What to do about a creepy peeper?

mrsconn23

Dear Prudence,
My wife is the manager at an outdoor public swimming pool. She oversees 25 lifeguards who are between 18 and 22 years old. As you can imagine, these kids are very physically fit and wear bathing suits all day. Recently there has been a male patron at the pool who the female lifeguards believe is taking pictures of them, especially when they are climbing up or down from the lifeguard chair ladders. My wife is angry and wants to confront the man, make him show her his camera, and kick him out of the pool depending on what she finds on it. We've both seen legal opinions stating there is no expectation of privacy when you're in public, but this seems like harassment of people trying to do their job. What should my wife do?

—Snapped

VarunaTT

I'd kick him out of the pool and refuse him entrance from that point on.  That way, he can't take any more pictures and you're not violating her person by requesting to see his camera photos.  Businesses can refuse to do business with people they consider a problem or nuisance.  She just needs to document the complaints from workers.

Wzz

as a woman, i would get a security guard or other authority figure (just for backup) and confront the man when he comes to the pool. i can't imagine there is nothing she could do besides have her husband write a letter.

Wzz

also, this is a lot different than being "in public".

baconsmom

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/special-topic-wedding-boards_wedding-woes_what-to-do-about-a-creepy-peeper?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Special%20Topic%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:47Discussion:87ca4944-5939-49cb-8c5b-9ec1624a728dPost:147a0776-032c-415a-9e07-48a6dfbd0968">Re: What to do about a creepy peeper?</a>:
[QUOTE]also, this is a lot different than being "in public".
Posted by Wzz[/QUOTE]
It's an outdoor public swimming pool. How is that different than being in public?<div>
</div><div>Honestly? I'd consult a lawyer. "Public swimming pool" usually means "run by the city". She could be in a shtton of trouble for kicking this guy out if she doesn't follow the letter of the law. She needs to go to her superiors and figure out if they can do anything about it first of all, and then *only* do that. </div>

Wzz

it's different because you usually have to show ID or purchase a membership. it is not the same as walking the streets on a commute by foot. it might be a "public" pool but it isn't just open to the public without regard for members/people at the pool. there should be rules to be followed. i do not think that taking photos of people in their swimsuits is allowed.

baconsmom

Well, probably not. (And I haven't had to show ID to get into my public pool, just pay the fee.) But there's no actual proof the guy is taking photos, so....

ReturnOfKuus

There may be no expectation of privacy in public, but public or not, people have complete legal ownership of any image of themselves.