Bathing suits at public pools in France

Last year when we were in Salon de Provence, D. and S. wanted to swim at the public pool complex which is very new and modern. They were informed they could not swim unless they had on regulation swimsuits (essentially Speedos) but not told why, just that it was required.

Here is an interesting article today which explains it - very strict health regulation in France for swimming pools. Not a bad idea but would never work in the US.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090812/ap_on_re_eu/eu_france_burquini_banned