Pool code of conduct

Our rules enable all customers to have a good time - safely. Our team endeavour to balance the need for an enjoyable experience against any possible risk that may be posed. Although this is extensive, it is not complete and is subject to additions being made at any time.


Pool hall rules

  • No running throughout the building, especially in wet areas, such as changing rooms or on poolside unless in an organized activity (ie Fitness Class).
  • No fighting, bullying, pushing, ducking or throwing other bathers into the pool.
  • Flippers or snorkels are not allowed in any public or adult sessions.
  • Consuming of food is only permitted for customers within the cafe area/viewing gallery. Bathers are permitted plastic drinks bottles containing water only if the activity warrants it (ie Aqua Class, swim training). Chewing gum is not permitted during activities or whilst using the pool.
  • No outdoor shoes are permitted on the poolside.
  • Only those participating in an activity are permitted within the area, unless in a designated spectator area.
  • As there is no designated storage on or around the poolside, prams and pushchairs are not permitted on the poolside.
  • Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
  • Non-swimmers and weak swimmers must remain in areas of the pool dedicated for them.
  • Accompanying adults/carers must not leave children under the age of 8 unattended or beyond eye contact as appropriate.
  • Diving in the pool is only permitted into water with a depth of at least 1.5m.
  • No jumping onto floats/rafts or inflatable's from the poolside.
  • No shouting within the pool.
  • No acrobatics within the pool.
  • No petting within the pool.
  • The use of cameras, camcorders and other equipment (including mobile phones) that records images is strictly controlled under a photographic policy. The use of such equipment may be authorised in line with the Photographic Policy. In any event, the use of this type of equipment is not permitted in the changing or toilet areas. A copy of this policy is kept in reception within a binder complete with the application forms for their use..
  • Customers using the pools must wear appropriate swimwear that does not compromise the ability to swim safely, swim shorts are not allowed below the knees.

Dress code

We require all our swimmers to wear costumes, trunks or swim shorts in the pool at all times. Unfortunately shorts below the knee are not permitted in the pool. Snorkels and flippers are not permitted.

Maximum bather loads

The maximum numbers in the Pools are:

  • Main Pool 82
  • Learner Pool 30
Manage reserve the right to reduce maximum bathing loads subject to staffing levels, session types and dynamic risk assessments carried out on the day.

Diving in pools

  • No diving is permitted in public sessions in a depth of water less than 1.5 metres.
  • Diving is not permitted in the teaching pool.
  • Clear prohibition signs are displayedc
  • Swimming club members who in the coach's opinion have reached the ASA Competitive Start Award standard and are under the instruction of a swimming club coach, may use a recognised shallow racing type dive into water of depth less than 1.5 metres, but greater than 0.9 metres.
  • Running dives are strictly prohibited in all depths of water.

Use of snorkels, masks and fins/flipperes

  • Masks are not permitted during public swimming sessions.
  • Snorkels are banned during public swimming sessions. Snorkels allow the user to breathe while face down making it difficult for the pool staff to see if a user is in difficulty. It is also possible that snorkels can catch other swimmers in the face.
  • Fins may also present a hazard for other pool users and as a result their use is also prohibited during public swimming sessions. Fins may be used during club type coaching sessions where the group either have sole use or are adequately sectioned off.
  • The use of these items of equipment should be limited to sub-aqua club/swimming clubs and under water hockey.

Exclusions

The receptionist, and staff on duty in the changing areas, are best placed to observe and prevent access to customers who may be considered to be at particular risk, before they enter the activity area for reasons such as:

  • Those under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.
  • People in poor health.
  • The elderly.
  • Unaccompanied children under the age of 8, or those who do not comply with the Centre's Child Admission Policy (a copy of which is contained within the appendix to this document).
  • Those who appear nervous or afraid.

Persons who appear to be intoxicated, or not well enough to enter the activity area, must be excluded.

Appropriate consideration must be given to those customers who may have a disability or appear to pose a risk to themselves or other customers/staff. Many persons in this category will have been referred by a doctor for exercise and are invariably able to exercise safely. If in any doubt, the Duty Manager should always be consulted.

Children who are under the age of 8, not accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 16, must not be allowed admission. See Swimming Pool Admissions Policy.