SOUTH LAKE LEISURE CENTRE SECTION 3 DEALING WITH

SOUTH LAKE LEISURE CENTRE SECTION 3 – DEALING WITH THE PUBLIC

Dealing with the Public: Admissions Policy Medical Conditions People with Disabilities Bather Hygiene Pool Rules Diving Entry Indecency Incidents

Admission Policy: 0 -4 years old Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible person, aged at least be 16 years or over when using the pool, unless during lessons. If staff are in any doubt about the age of a child, a leading question should be asked, “what age is the child? ” and if required seek further assistance from the Shift Leader or Duty Manager. Admission ratio is calculated on the youngest child age. If one child is under 4 then ratio is 1 to 2 The responsible person must remain within reaching distance of the child at all times and they cannot leave them to go for a swim or enter another pool 1: 2 4 -7 years old 1: 3

Admission Policy: If any of the pools start to reach capacity ticket sales may be limited or suspended for a period as directed by the Duty Manager During an emergency situation, all ticket sales will be suspended, until directed by the Duty Manager that sales can resume Gym access will be limited to 12 years of age [time periods applicable] Health and Beauty access will be limited to 16 years of age

Admission Policy: On occasions, the facility may need to refuse entry to members of the public or request they leave, which may become more confrontational. q A person who fails to follow the rules of the facility q A person who is deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs q A person that has been excluded previously from using the facility and the period of their exclusion has not yet expired If the situation starts to become more challenging, the support of the Duty Manager may be required.

Health Problems: To assist in identifying users with medical conditions that may have an adverse effect when participating in physical activity the centre displays a notice at reception and at various points throughout the facility. If you are taking any medication or have any medical problems that might affect your ability to exercise safely, please advise staff accordingly

Health Problems: Individuals applying for swimming lessons or other coaching courses operated by the centre asked at the booking stage if they suffer from any medical condition, which the instructor should be made aware of. Schools and other group leaders are asked to forward similar information at booking stage in order that measures may be put in place to ensure the safety of users.

People with Disabilities: Staff should provide assistance to help everyone participate in activities throughout the centre. Some users may have a disability, which may not be immediately apparent; therefore, it is imperative that staff remain vigilant for any person(s) who may require additional assistance when using the facility or especially in the event of an evacuation.

Hearing Impaired: Additional demonstrations on safe use of equipment, providing written notes or information will help assist users with impaired hearing. In the event of an emergency, the user may not be aware of the emergency alarm activation and will need an alternate method to be notified such as… § Written note stating the emergency and where to go. § Turning the room lights on & off to gain attention - then indicate through hand gestures or written note

Visually Impaired: Going to new or unfamiliar places can be challenging for everyone, but it might seem even more daunting for someone who is blind or visually impaired. Assistance with orientation of the facility may be required. In the event of an emergency, tell the person the nature of the emergency, and offer to either guide them or appoint a member of the public to undertake this task. Any obstacles and the route taken should be communicated throughout.

Mobility: Many people with mobility issues find exercising beneficial, especially in water as it supports the body and reduces the risk of muscle or joint discomfort. Assistance may be required in adjusting/accessing equipment or entering/exiting the pool. In the event of an emergency, communicate the nature of the emergency and ask them if/how they would like to be assisted. Some users may need to be treated as if they are injured for evacuation purposes

People with Disabilities: The Centre encourages users who think that they may require additional assistance in the event of an emergency evacuation to complete a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan [PEEP]. It is a bespoke ‘escape plan’ for individuals who may not be able to reach a place of safety unaided or within a satisfactory time-period in the event of any emergency.

Bather Hygiene All patrons should be encouraged to shower and use the toilet before entering the pool. Appropriate signage is displayed in changing rooms. Please shower before Entering the Pool Please use the Restroom before Entering the Pool

Pool Rules: The lifeguard team must take a consistent approach when dealing with any issues, problems or requests. Lifeguards are responsible for enforcing and educating pool users to the rules and must take early intervention in the event of a bather breaking a pool rule. Anyone who breaks the pool rules must be challenged immediately. If their actions continue, the Lifeguard should intervene further by informing the bather of the pool rules and advising them that if their behaviour continues they will be asked to leave the pool. If the bather(s) refuse to leave the pool, the Lifeguard should request the assistance of the Duty Manager/Shift Leader who will reinforce the decision of the Lifeguard. If at any stage a lifeguard feels that their attention is being drawn away from their primary function of supervising the pool then an additional member of staff should be called until the situation has been resolved.

Pool Rules: No Running No Ducking No Jewellery on poolside Toys, Balls or Airbeds No sitting on or playing with Lane Ropes Click on each rule for more information No facemasks, snorkels or fins Play floats during session only No Shouting No Diving below 1. 5 m No non/weak No Underwater swimmers in deep Swimming >15 m water Clothing No unsafe entries

No Running or pushing on the poolside is not permitted; § Danger to the bather if they slip § Danger to other people on the poolside through collision § Danger to other bathers, if they fall into pool

No Diving below 1. 5 m No diving in Learner/Leisure pool or shallow end of the main pool when floor is risen and no bombing, somersaulting or other acrobatic/gymnastic entries into the pool; § Danger of self-injury such as spinal § Danger of injury to other bathers

No Ducking No ducking, acrobatic or boisterous behaviour in the pool § Danger of self-injury § Danger of injury to other bathers § Can cause offence to other pool users

Non/Weak Swimmers Non/weak swimmers are not permitted in deep water unless they can swim 2 lengths of the pools (front crawl/breast-stroke) and tread water for 30 seconds to the satisfaction of the lifeguard on duty. § Danger of self-injury through drowning § Danger of injury to other bathers through grabbing for support

Toys, balls and airbeds not permitted; § Danger of non/weak-swimmers following or floating into deeper water § Nuisance to other bathers In the event of a query from a bather seek Duty Officer/Shift Leader advice

Sitting/Playing with Lane Ropes Sitting/playing with lane-ropes or using lane-ropes to pull themselves to deep end is not permitted; § Danger to lane swimmers § Danger of non/weak-swimmers pulling themselves into deeper water

Swim Accessories No face masks, flippers, snorkels, hand paddles, ankle bands, etc to be used during casual sessions except for medical reasons where no alternative option is available. The swimmer must provide a medical note issued by a doctor. § Danger of injury to other bathers if hit by flippers or hand paddles § Danger of self-injury from masks when putting on/taking off § Danger of inhaling water, through panicking, if the mask fills with water

Clothing such as T-shirts, denim shorts, ¾ length shorts, etc. are not permitted to be worn in the pool, unless for medical or religious reasons. However, for safety reasons T-shirts are not permitted to be worn if using flumes. If the lifeguard believes that the clothing has an offensive slogans/print they should contact the Duty Manager/ Shift Leader; § Unhygienic § Baggy t-shirts have the potential to lift and cover bathers face

Play Floats Large play floats are only permitted during programmed sessions; § Slip/trip hazard if left lying on poolside or not stored away after session § Danger of injury to other bathers if floats are thrown § Danger of non/weak-swimmers floating into deeper water § Danger of bathers getting caught under floats § Potential danger to bather if allowed to stand on floats § Danger from jumping on from poolside

Jewellery & Medication Staff are not permitted to look after customer’s personal belongings, e. g. watches, rings, medication etc. Bathers are advised to leave their medication in their locker with easy access, however in some circumstances the bather may need may leave their medication beside the high chair for easy access in the event of an emergency, but Centre is not responsible; § Danger of staff member being accused of stealing § Danger of staff member not being in vicinity in the event of an emergency

Underwater Swimming Underwater swimming of distances greater than 15 m, repeatedly diving to the bottom of the pool to retrieve objects or continually holding your breath underwater for long periods is not permitted; § Danger of injury to bather through hyperventilation

Unsafe Entries Unsafe entries such as Bombing, Somersaults, backward dives, high dives etc are not permitted; § Danger of injury to bather from impact with water or pool edge § Danger of injury to other bathers from impact

Diving Entry The recommendations, which apply to South Lake Leisure Centre, are as follows: - § Diving is not permitted into water with a vertical depth of less than 1. 5 metres. [Signage on poolside indicating ‘No Diving’ areas] § Only flat dives when entering the swimming pool in the designated diving area § Running dives, High dives or backward dives are not permitted § The teaching of diving is not to be carried out in water with a depth of less than 1. 8 metres

Indecency Incidents Should a member of staff be witness or an allegation of indecent behaviour raised, the matter must be treated seriously and dealt with as follows: § Ask the complainant to accompany you to the office and contact Duty Manager. § Attempt to obtain a description of what has happened and details of the person/s responsible. § Check for possible witnesses and obtain witness statements. § The Duty Manager should report the matter through Leisurewatch and advise PSNI of incident. § If the alleged perpetrator is still on premises, observe until the police arrive. Members of staff should not restrain a suspect. § At no time must a member of staff accuse a suspect. This may be a criminal matter and shall be dealt with by the PSNI. § Fill out an Incident Report Form

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