Children Swimming in a Private Pool During the Nine Days
Question
Shalom, is it permissible for children to swim in a private play pool during the Nine Days? Thank you
Answer
Shalom,
According to the Sephardic custom, even adults may swim in a pool during the Nine Days, including the week of Tisha B'Av.
However, according to the Ashkenazic custom, swimming is permitted only until Rosh Chodesh Av, and therefore it is stricter for children in a private pool. Only in cases of necessity may one be lenient for children who have not yet reached the age of education.
In any case, one must supervise the children carefully because these days can lead to unfortunate occurrences, Heaven forbid.
Sources: The Sephardic custom permits swimming in cold water during the Nine Days and even in the week of Tisha B'Av. Thus, it is permitted to enter a pool during these days, as explained in Responsa Yabia Omer, Vol. 5 (Orach Chaim at the end of Siman 41) and in Responsa Yechave Da'at, Vol. 1 (Siman 30) and in the book Hazon Ovadia on the Four Minor Fasts (p. 34).
The Ashkenazic custom is not to swim even in cold water from Rosh Chodesh Av and onwards, as stated by the Ramah (Orach Chaim, Siman 561, Se'if 16). Therefore, they should not enter a pool during the Nine Days.
However, in cases of necessity, one may be lenient for children who have not yet reached the education age, see Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim (Siman 561, Se'if 14) and Mishnah Berurah (S'if Katan 81) and Sha'ar HaTzion (S'if Katan 91). Also see the book Neti'ei Gavriel Be'in HaMetzarim, Part 1 (Chapter 42, Se'if 14 and the note there).
Nonetheless, extra caution is required to supervise the children well because these days are prone to unfortunate occurrences, Heaven forbid. The Chasam Sofer, zt"l, wrote in his book Makor Chaim (Siman 561, Se'if 14) that he saw people refraining from swimming in rivers during all three weeks due to the danger, since this time is prone to evil. Also see the book Aruchot Rabbeinu, Part 2 (p. 629). See also Responsa Teshuvot VeHanhagot, Part 2 (Siman 219) which states that one should not swim deep in the sea until close to the height of a person during the days between the tragedies, because these days are prone to danger, Heaven forbid. May it be good.
Best regards,
Hillel Meir
