Swimming Pool Admission Policy

A Customer Guide

Bedford Borough Council aims to provide users of its swimming pools with enjoyable experiences under the safest possible conditions.

Due to recent National concerns over safety in swimming pools, the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management have advised swimming pool operators that a consistent approach to admissions of children should be implemented.

The Bedford Borough Council Admissions Policy is based on the ISRM Guidance, which is also supported by the Health and Safety Executive; Royal Life Saving Society; Amateur Swimming Association and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents. This policy is recognised as a National safety standard for all public swimming pool operators.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

To help us ensure the health and safety of all pool users the following swimming pool admissions policy is in operation:

• All children under 5 years of age, regardless of swimming ability, MUST be supervised in the water on a 1:1 basis by an adult (18 years of age or over)
• All children under 8 years of age MUST be supervised in the water by an adult. An adult may supervise up to two children between the ages of 5 and 8 years provided they both can swim unaided.
• All children between the ages of 5 and 8 years who are classified as “non” or “weak” swimmers MUST be supervised in the water on a 1:1 basis by an adult.
• It is the duty of the adult to remain in full eye contact of their child throughout the whole of their visit to the swimming pool and to make alternative temporary arrangements should it be necessary to leave the child at any time.
• All “non” swimmers must wear approved swimming aids such as armbands.
• All “non” and “weak” swimmers are restricted to the designated shallow areas of the swimming pool.
• All swimmers must inform a lifeguard if they suffer from any illness or disability which may affect their ability to swim. All swimmers should always swim within their own abilities and are requested to inform the Duty Manager of any specialist assistance they may require in advance of their visit.

REASONS FOR AGE RESTRICTIONS

1    Children under the age of eight years, irrespective of swimming ability, are classified as infants in Educational terms.

2    Adults are requested to supervise or look after a maximum of one under 5 year old child, regardless of swimming ability and a maximum of two children between 5 and 8 years old at any one time because of the demands in terms of control which are associated with children of this age and the potential dangers which are always present in busy swimming pools.

3    The under 8 years of age group remains the highest risk group in terms of National Accident Statistics.

EXEMPTIONS

A series of ‘Risk Assessments’ have been conducted for each individual swimming session within our programmes and certain sessions have been identified where a discretion on the ratio of adults to children may be exercised without compromising safety.

Sessions include:

•  Parent and Toddler

•  Crash Courses

•  Junior Lessons

•  Controlled Family Sessions                                                            

During these sessions increased safety measures are in place which may include teaching by qualified instructors and increased lifeguard supervision.

The Admissions Policy will be strictly operated during peak usage times:

• School Holidays

• Special Sessions

• Evenings and Weekends

• Fun Sessions

Please see Pool Timetable for peak sessions.