When Tiffany Francis took her 11-month-old son to Rigby’s Water World in Georgia, she expected a relaxing day. What she didn’t expect was to leave in tears, feeling embarrassed and discriminated against for simply breastfeeding her baby.
Tiffany shared her story on Facebook, recounting how she was nursing her baby in the Lazy River—a spot her son loved for its calming motion. “He likes motion to sleep,” she explained. “He sleeps well in the car or swing, so he also sleeps in the Lazy River.”
But her peaceful moment quickly turned sour when a lifeguard and another staff member approached her. They informed Tiffany that breastfeeding in the water wasn’t allowed, citing concerns about breastmilk “getting into the water.”
Confused, Tiffany asked to see the rule, but there wasn’t one explicitly banning breastfeeding. When she spoke to the manager, she was told that breastfeeding fell under the “No food or drinks in the water” policy.
Tiffany was heartbroken. “Imagine all the bodily fluids already in the water, but they’re worried about breastmilk,” she wrote. “My breast was out of the water, and the milk was going directly into my baby’s mouth.”
The ordeal left her feeling humiliated. “I left crying because I was told I couldn’t feed my child. It’s against the law to stop a mother from breastfeeding—but apparently, making people uncomfortable by feeding my baby is a bigger issue.”
Adding to her frustration, Tiffany pointed out the double standard. “This is a water park where people wear very little clothing, but somehow, my son and I were offensive,” she said.
Tiffany’s story didn’t end there. After being denied a refund, she left the park and took her fight online. Her post quickly gained traction, with many outraged that Rigby’s Water World seemed unaware of Georgia state law, which protects a mother’s right to breastfeed anywhere she is authorized to be.
The backlash prompted the park’s owner, Steve Rigby, and the general manager to reach out with an apology. However, Tiffany felt it lacked sincerity. “Their apology included, ‘While it’s not the best practice, feeding is now allowed anywhere.’ It felt more like damage control than genuine regret,” she said.
Tiffany’s experience has sparked a larger conversation about breastfeeding in public spaces. Many have rallied around her, pointing out the need for greater awareness and respect for nursing mothers.
What do you think? Should parks like Rigby’s rethink their policies and training? Share this story with your friends and join the conversation!
