About a year ago I was into swimming every morning at one of the city of Tallahassee’s great pools. My chiropractor had suggested working out in a heated pool as a comfortable way to stretch my less than athletically fit body. The workout was fun and after a month of water exercise my back felt better than it had in ages.
Then one morning my car, along with several others, was broken into while I was swimming. After smashing my driver’s side window, the thieves took my favorite handbag–one I’d bought in Guatemala–along with my credit cards, some cash, my identification, and even my passport. I’d always heard victims of robbery say they’d felt violated, but I never understood the meaning until I was faced with the reality myself.
I didn’t feel safe anymore. My nerves were shot and I was almost too jumpy to drive for awhile. Forget returning to the pool. It held too many scary thoughts. For one thing, there’s really not a great place to leave one’s handbag or cellphone at the pool. Yes, there are lockers, but one can’t put a lock on one. It didn’t feel safe to keep my valuables in a bag poolside, either. Anyone could walk by and snatch it while I swam.
A few days ago I got the idea that perhaps someone out there sold waterproof packs that one could wear during swimming. A simple search of Google and voilà! I have a pair of waterproof pouches.
Made by Blue Sky Basics, the packs have enough space for my oversized cell phone, keys, and a wallet with room to spare. I can even pack my Kindle paperwhite if I so desire. Waterproofing is accomplished with multiple redundancies, including triple ziplock seals.
An extra long adjustable strap allows the user to wear the pack around the his/her waist while swimming. I can’t wait to try the packs out!
Here’s the friendly customer service email I received from Blue Sky Basics. I thought it was a nice touch.
“Hello Leslie,
Thank you so much for your order!
We’re really happy an awesome person like you will soon be using our Waterproof Pouch with Waist Strap 2-Pack to keep your phone and valuables safe and dry!
When you do, please go ahead and test out your new waterproof pouches at home so you can set off on your next aquatic adventure with total peace of mind! Simple instructions are included in the packaging.
We’ve got you covered with our 100% Lifetime Satisfaction Guarantee . If, for any reason, you are not delighted, you can easily let me know by replying to this email.
We will be happy to replace it for you absolutely free or assist you with a refund if you prefer. That’s our promise to you.
As a small family-run business, we’re big on customer service and truly want you to be happy with your purchase.
Thanks again and happy adventures!
Warmest regards,
Chris Hoaldridge, Co-founder, Blue Sky Basics”
Here’s their contact information if you’re interested. I have no agreement with Blue Sky Basics, and will receive no compensation for my endorsement of their product.
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 
What a great idea! I do Deepwater Aerobics two times a week. we ladies bring our stuff out to the pool side and make a big pile so if there’s anybody lurking around our stuff date be pretty obvious and the lifeguards help us watch, nothing has ever been stolen. I hardly ever lock my car. I don’t leave anything valuable in it. Kelly was an insurance adjuster and he said leave the door unlocked because if they want to break in they are going to break in and this way at least you won’t have a broken window. I can’t figure out if this makes sense or not!
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My husband always says that about not locking the car, too. I guess it makes sense, but I still believe a lock will deter most thieves. Maybe??
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The thing I worry about is we swim after work at night and there could be somebody in your backseat but we a’ll leave together and make sure all OK before we drive off
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And that’s the best safety procedure! Safety in numbers.
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That sense of having been violated is terrible. I’m glad you’ve found a way to get back to something that makes you feel good. It’s time I got back to the pool too!
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Thank you!
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Good you’re going back to the pool, but wouldn’t it be easier not to bring anything of value with you? Oh, you mean the cellphone? you could get a dirt cheap new Nokia phone just for when you go there. I’ll be going back to the pool (had bronchitis) next month, not sure I’d like to have the belt in the water.
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Well, I live a good distance from the pool, and usually I eat at a restaurant after I swim. Plus I need my identification and my car keys.
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I get it. I guess the idea of the little bag troubles me, regardless of size, as I don’t really trust technology to make things truly waterproof 🙂
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They sent instructions on testing it before use, and just to be safe I’ll most likely put my phone inside a zip lock bag, too. Better safe than sorry.
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Yes!
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Wow, I hope it works. They certainly are good about outreach to their customers. A good friend had her car broken into while she was at the gym. She made the mistake of tossing her purse into the trunk after she got there, and the robber naturally was watching her. Glad you found something to allow you to continue swimming! – Marty
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Thanks! Danged thieves!
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Violation, indeed
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I just felt so vulnerable afterwards.
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Of course
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I hated that feeling! I’m usually the complete opposite of vulnerable.
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