When a fire alarm goes off at a swimming pool

This evening, I had the most hilarious experience. While doing my laps at the swimming pool of the University of London Union, the fire alarm suddenly sounded and we were told to evacuate immediately... in our swimwear.

We walked barefooted and almost naked up the stairs, and I was dreading the thought of being made to stand outdoors in the cold while the fire safety officers checked the building! Spring has nearly arrived, but not warm enough for anyone to be standing like fools out there. Imagine the limelight one would get to enjoy with passers-by gloating over our tragicomedy. 

Thankfully, swimmers were allowed to stay in the porch indoors to wait.. and we were issued this thin silvery film called "foil blanket" which looked like aluminum foil, except it was tougher. Surprisingly, when I wrapped myself in this foil, it felt quite warm! There were about twenty of us wrapped in foil standing around, as if waiting to be roasted by the fire. It was quite a sight to behold.

One of the guys from the swimming club took out his mobile and snapped some shots of his teammates who were in giggles, obviously enjoying the fun.

After about ten minutes, the officers verified that there was no fire threat and we were allowed to return to the pool. Thank goodness.