Horizon Leisure Centre’s Swimming Pools Admission Policy aims to safeguard swimmers that are most at risk when bathing. The policy does not intend to prevent families and children having fun in the water and enjoying the physical and social benefits of swimming, nor create unnecessary barriers for parents and carer’s when accessing our facilities.
The policy takes into account recommendations from the Institute of Sport & Recreation Management (ISRM). It is important to note that the rules appertaining to child parent ratios will differ depending upon the number of bathers in the swimming pools. Horizon reserve the right to change the ratio at any time to ensure maximum safety.
General Policy
All Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by a responsible person of 16 years or above.
The responsible person must go into the water with the child/children they are accompanying.
Whilst in the pool the responsible person should maintain a constant watch over the child/children they are accompanying and be in close contact with children who are weak or non-swimmers.
In accordance with the Chartered Institute of the Management of Sports and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) guidelines and our own Risk assessments we enforce the following policy.
Children under the age of 8 years must be accompanied into the pool at all times by a responsible adult (Over 16 years) and on a ration of no more than 1 adult to 2 children. Children under the age of 4 years must be accompanied into the pool by a responsible adult on a ratio of 1 adult to 1 child. However the ratio becomes 1 adult to 2 children in the event every child under 4 is wearing suitable buoyancy aid.
Buoyancy Aids Accepted under this policy are those that fully support the child’s weight in the water and remain secure in and out of the water. E.g. Arm Bands or Float suits. Buoyancy aides that are hand held are not considered appropriate.
Please note: Lifeguards will request a swim test for children entering deep water if they appear to lack confidence or do not demonstrate water confidence in their swimming ability. Failure to complete the test will result in restricted usage being applied to the child (i.e. they must stay in the shallow end of the swimming pool).
Note: Swimming aids e.g. armbands, must be manufactured to approved standards and carry a kite mark or BS EN number.
Horizon Leisure Centre’s reserves the right to deviate from the above policy in response to varying bather loads and the demands of the pool programme.
