PUBLIC SWIMMING

For our Main pools in Cwmbran Stadium, Fairwater Leisure Centre and Pontypool ALC, all children under the age of 8 should be accompanied in the water by a person deemed responsible by the management of the Centre, who should be 16 years or over. This person may be responsible for up to two persons between the age of 4 to 7, and the ratio for less than 4 years of age is one to one.

‍PALC Teaching Pool ONLY

For the Learner Pool at Pontypool ALC, the same ratio applies for children aged 4-7 years as above. The ratio for children under 4 years is two to one and buoyancy aids must be worn by at least one of the children.

‍Persons responsible for children are reminded of their duty, especially to remain in full eye contact of their charges at all times during the visit to the pool. If for any reason a child must be left for a short while they must make temporary alternative arrangements, to the satisfaction of the Pool Supervisor.

All non-swimmers, adults and children, should be restricted to designated safe areas of the pool. (non-swimming adults with swimming children may pose particular problems of control in this situation).

Swimmers are advised to swim within their own abilities and to take account of any illness or disability that may affect them. They should inform the Duty Staff of any specialist assistance they might require.

Non-swimmers and poor swimmers must not go out of their depth, with exception of very young children supervised on a one to two basis who by virtue of their age/size are out of their depth in even the shallowest areas of the pool. The wearing of approved floatation devices under supervision is considered sensible.

A non-swimmer or poor swimmer may be defined as someone who is not able to swim 50 metres and tread water for 30 seconds, to the satisfaction of the Duty Staff.

Pool Managers should regularly assess the risks of a pool and take any necessary action, where appropriate, bringing such risks to the attention of users.