SASAC – St Albans Sub-Aqua Club

Version 3 Operational 1^st September 2024

Purpose
Emergencies
Who is allowed access to the premises?
How do I use the pool?
How do I stay safe in the pool?
After swimming
What if I see someone doing something that doesn’t look safe?
Why do we have these requirements?
Limitations to the provision of safety

Appendices
A: Pool Users
B: Specialised Activities
C: Health and safety
D: Control of Admissions
E: Emergencies
F: Pool Capacity and Zones

This document states how we run the pool to keep all members safe. The pool is open for swimming during set daylight hours year-round and is unheated.

Whilst the safety requirements may differ from those at other pools and leisure facilities (for example swimming in the sea or using pools on holiday), these have been set out to meet our needs, as a non-lifeguarded pool and a volunteer run facility which relies on strong safety policy and practices to maintain operation and insurance.

In an emergency dial 999 WITHOUT DELAY

• The location of the pool is:
  • Cottonmill Lane (near the junction with Cottonmill Crescent), St Albans, AL1 1HJ
  • Front door What3Words ///shots.safety.covers
  • Rear emergency exit What3Words ///looks.spray.highs
• Remember to open the front door for the emergency services.
• Alert other pool users to help you.

Use the First Aid facilities, Automatic External Defibrillator and contact details for SASAC Directors available as necessary.

Only adult members have access to the premises. You must

• scan your access card in on entry
• have your key, card and your own functioning mobile phone with you at all times
• accept responsibility for the building and for any other people in it on access
• ensure you do not allow access to non-members
• sign in when you arrive, and sign out when you leave
• comply with reasonable requests from other members, for example, spot checks to verify membership (https://membership.sasac.co.uk/MemberDirectory), and other safety-focussed operations
• fully check for other members and lock up the pool and building after you if you are the last to leave

You are responsible for anyone you allow in and your membership is at risk of being revoked if you have not complied with the requirements. You must secure authorisation for your own children by registering them. See Appendix A for temporary guests to the clubhouse, organised events, contractors or other persons as agreed by the Board of Directors.

Anyone who considers the limitations of the PSR, risks and hazards to be unacceptable must not access the building, enter the pool area or use the pool.

Only fully inducted members and their registered children may enter the pool and the poolside area. You accept that you have an enhanced duty of care in the pool environment.

• Book via https://app.skedda.com/account/login or the app
  • You must not swim if you have not booked a slot. The slot is for your time in the water
  • You do not need to book changing time or socialising before or after you use the pool
• Know the emergency procedure and the location of safety and emergency equipment
• Supervise registered children at all times. A child can drown in as little as 20 seconds
• Adults and children must only use the changing rooms to change
• Use the outdoor toilet facilities
• Enter the pool via the ladder or using the sit and swivel method and exit via ladders. You must not jump or dive in
• Do not re-enter the clubhouse until fully dry and clothed
• Follow the safety rules displayed poolside and detailed in your induction
• Cold water season members cannot enter the pool during the summer months (1^st June to 31^st August). They are welcome to use the poolside area and the rest of the facilities any time of the year

There are no lifeguards: we all use the pool at our own risk

• If you do not feel comfortable swimming or feel unwell, do not get in
• Check the weather. You may swim when it is raining but NEVER when there is a storm
• You must not swim on your own if the temperature is below 5ºC
• Solo swimming is not recommended: make a booking when you can see other swimmers will be there, or arrange to swim with someone else via one of the WhatsApp groups
• When poolside, all adult members are
  • required to monitor other pool users
  • responsible for your own safety and the safety of others
  • required to know and enforce the requirements
• Renew your induction at least every 5 years
• All adults in the pool or poolside must be competent swimmers (see Appendix A, section 2)
• Registered children in the swimming lane zone must be competent swimmers
• Play in the splash zone, where buoyancy aids, and soft inflatables are allowed
• No playing in the lane zone or the deep area. No running anywhere. No jumping or diving in. No paddles. No mermaid tails. Nothing hard is allowed in the pool
• No glass or glass bottles allowed poolside
• You must not swim or use the pool if you have consumed any alcohol
• Recognise that different categories of member, and occasional other users, are risk-assessed and insured to use the pool with different Terms and Conditions. This includes swimmers, snorkellers, Scuba-divers, canoeists and occasional hires

• Warm up and rehydrate (see Appendix B, section A)
• Do not leave personal items on the premises
• Any items you find (e.g. jewellery, swimming hats etc) can be left on the table by the front door

This could be someone consuming alcohol, using a glass bottle, jumping in, running, or someone you think is coming in who shouldn’t be.

• Talk to the person, explain you’re concerned and that you have been asked in your induction to monitor others
• If it’s a child, talk to the parent and explain as above
• If you’re not comfortable talking to the person on your own, ask another swimmer to see the action and be part of the conversation (this can be particularly helpful in serious cases that the Board of Directors needs to investigate)
• Ask to see the person’s membership card and to confirm their membership status
• If the person gets difficult then step away and make a note, take a photo of the signing in book and inform committee@sasac.co.uk. Don’t put yourself at risk
• The Board of Directors takes action against people who make the pool unsafe. The Board reviews reports of breaches, requests compliance, and suspends or revokes membership.
• Use your common sense. If someone has done something without thinking, then you can have a reasonable conversation without needing to go further. If you consider it serious or a deliberate action, take notes and inform committee@sasac.co.uk

The club leases the former outdoor public swimming pool and its ancillary buildings on Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, from the St Albans District Council (SADC). Therefore, the pool is defined as privately owned and operated by St Albans Sub Aqua Club.

Every organisation that manages a pool must document the procedures and rules of operations that will be followed by the persons managing and using the pool. Our Pool Safety Requirements are based on the fourth (current) edition of Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools (4^th edition 2018) issued by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), risk assessments and experience with previous incidents and insurance conditions. The club is subject to Health and Safety legislation (except for parts of the legislation that are specific for employees).

The club’s Board of Directors regards following the guidance in the document as the right approach to operate the pool safely.

All members must be made aware of these safety limitations and must make their own judgement as to whether they wish to use the pool.

In a club setting, the Board of Directors assess it is reasonable to operate a pool differently from a commercial operation open to the public.

Constant poolside supervision (watching the water) by lifeguards provides the best assurance of pool users’ safety but is considered impractical in our club environment because we are a volunteer organisation and it is not possible for the club to become an employer of lifeguards or economically viable to have lifeguards available for all the possible hours of operation.

The club uses alternative measures to provide assurance of pool users’ safety based on educating our members to act responsibly and in a safe manner, and making sure members strictly adhere to the procedures described in this document.

The approach is heavily biased towards fostering a safety first and risk adverse culture that focusses on the avoidance and prevention of safety issues rather than monitoring and responding to accidents. In effect the members are individually and collectively aware of the risks and hazards and actively self-regulate and supervise each other to deliver the equivalent functionality of dedicated lifeguards.

The risk mitigation measures used by the Club because there are no lifeguards include:

All members must complete a full safety induction on commencement of membership and at least every 5 years thereafter.

Members in breach of the rules may be offered the opportunity to redo their induction, or be sanctioned.

^{competentswimmer}

All members, and young people (children over the age of 8) who participate in lane swimming, must be Competent and Capable Swimmers.

The standards used to define a competent and capable swimmer are based on Swim England instructor recommendations. A swimmer is a Competent and Capable Swimmer when they can comfortably and confidently:

• Swim a length of the pool on their front using breaststroke or front crawl
• Swim a length of the pool on their back
• Tread water for 1 minute
• Float in the resting position on their back
• Enter and exit the water safely

The club records the details of people assessed. When booking a pool slot, members confirm they are a competent and capable swimmer.

Authorised club officials can randomly select pool users who must demonstrate their swimming competency. Inability to demonstrate the required standard may result in the suspension of the member’s pool access.

Adult members on joining and renewing must self-declare their medical fitness on their membership profile. They must do the same for their registered children. They must declare and document they are medically fit to use the pool when booking a pool slot.

Those who cannot self-declare must provide the membership secretary with medical proof they are medically fit to use the pool and may require a personal risk assessment for their condition.

No member may admit a guest poolside.

• Members may invite guests to the clubhouse up to three times a year. Each member may invite a maximum of three guests at a time.
• The Board of Directors may authorise additional ticketed events either in the clubhouse, poolside or including use of the pool to which guests may be invited.
• The Board of Directors may authorise contractors or other parties to access the pool, the poolside surrounds and/ or the clubhouse as necessary with suitable risk assessments and insurance provided.

Half the pool can be hired for community functions. In exceptional circumstances, commercial hires of the whole pool can take place. During the hire it may not be available for use by club members.

The hirer is required to provide in advance of the hire commencing:

• The event specific risk assessment (RA) verified and approved by the SASAC’s Health and Safety Director. The RA will define how the pool and poolside will be used and who will be poolside and using the pool.
• Qualified pool lifeguards. The hirer will provide proof the lifeguards’ qualifications are current and adequate for the event and the RA will specify the number of lifeguards required for the event.
• Adequate third-party liability insurance (TPLI), verified and approved by SASAC’s Health and Safety Director.
• a signed waiver release of liability

The parent or legal guardian or legally designated carer (hitherto defined as “parent” in this document) must actively and constantly monitor the registered persons in their care and not engage in other activities that will distract them or prevent them supervising.

The supervising parent must:

• Be ready to immediately enter the water to assist their child/children
• Be dressed appropriately to safely enter the water
• Be within 20 seconds’ travel distance of their child/children to effect a rapid in-water rescue if necessary
• Make the young people aware of the required behaviour set out in this document and encourage them to obey any safety instructions or advice given by an adult member

Members who leave the persons in their care unattended in the pool or poolside may have their membership terminated with immediate effect.

Non swimming children in or near the water must wear buoyancy aids at all times, stay within their own depth and be accompanied within arm’s reach by their competent swimmer parent or a qualified swim instructor.

Children aged under 8 years old are at particular risk in and around swimming pools.

Supervision of under 8-year-olds in the water should be from the water and of their own child. The parent must supervise the child on a 1:1 ratio, i.e. only supervise that one child and no others. This responsibility must not be delegated to other pool users.

Children aged 8 to 17, hereafter referred to as young people, may still be vulnerable in and around the water. Supervision of young people in the water aged over 8 years old should be by their parent on a 1:2 parent to young person ratio. This responsibility must not be delegated to other pool users.

Any member with a special need or disability that increases their risk as a pool user should liaise with the Club’s Health and Safety Director in advance of using the pool to complete the appropriate risk assessment.

Swimming in cold water should be limited as you risk hyperthermia, which can cause you to become disorientated and affect your ability to make decisions. It’s crucial to take time to acclimatise to colder water and wear a wet suit when appropriate. Even experienced cold-water swimmers can be caught unawares by the dangers. Be aware that your core temperature can continue to drop even once you are out of the water.

Ensure you are properly hydrated before swimming. Do not shower in hot water after a cold swim because it can be dangerous. Swimmers are advised to warm up by dressing as quickly as possible in layers and having a warm drink.

Solo swimming in cold water is particularly inadvisable.

Solo swimming entails additional risk. The absence of anyone to help can turn a minor problem (cramp, cold, accident, health issue) into a fatal incident. For these reasons solo swimming is actively discouraged by the Club and is at the risk of the adult member concerned provided that they understand and accept the risks involved. Children and young people must never swim alone.

Solo swimmers must ensure friends or family are aware of their presence at the pool and the time that they expect to be back. They should make arrangements to take actions in the event the swimmer fails to make contact within the specified time. Swimmers are strongly encouraged to use a buddy system for arranging their swims. This can be done by using the highly active swimming WhatsApp and Facebook groups.

Scuba equipment can only be used in the pool by SASAC BSAC Branch 311 members. Divers must dive in accordance with BSAC guidelines and have poolside cover (diving marshal). All pool users must follow any instructions given by the diving marshal.

SASAC BSAC Branch 311 & BOA Underwater Hockey Player members who have been assessed by the club may use the pool with snorkel equipment in accordance with their training.

Junior members can only use snorkel equipment in the pool when they are being supervised by a BSAC or BOA instructor or their parent in accordance with the section above on supervision generally of children and young people.

Canoeing is only permitted when the pool has been hired in its entirety as part of a private hire.

• Swim fins (as opposed to standard fins used for diving) may be used by both adults and children/young people as a swim training aid. Parents should be aware that they increase power and may give a false sense of security to children and young people who may travel out of their depth without realising it. Parents should therefore supervise the use of swim fins.
• “Mermaid tails” are not permitted in the pool under any circumstances. Their use has been linked to fatalities and the RLSS (UK) has cautioned that they should only be used in organised classes by trained professionals.
• Participants in organised pool games will be more vulnerable to injury, and the organisers of these events must carefully consider their safety. Organisers of any formal competitive games should liaise with the Club’s Health and Safety Director in advance of using the pool to complete the appropriate risk assessment. Please check before organising or taking part in any competitions, however informal they may be.
• Balls: Only SOFT inflatable beach-type balls and skimmer balls (i.e. those specifically designed for pool use and no other sports or exercise such as footballs) are allowed poolside and in the pool.
• Inflatables and Lilos: Parents should be mindful of the risks of large inflatable toys and lilos as there is a danger that children may become trapped or hidden from view under them.
• Paddles: No paddles of any type, such as those used to propel inflatable dinghies, are permitted to be used in the pool. This is due to the risk of damage to the pool liner and pool surrounds from these items.
• Glass and breakable items: are not allowed poolside, as they can break and cause injury.

Do not use the pool when your judgment is impaired by drugs or alcohol, or you are not fit enough to swim for whatever reason.

• You must not swim or use the pool if you have consumed any alcohol, whether this has been purchased at the club or otherwise. If you have been drinking the night before, do not use the pool the following morning.
• Parents supervising children cannot drink poolside or in the bar area or supervise children whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• The club is a licensed premises: you are only allowed to consume alcohol on the premises that has been served from the Club bar and consumed in the bar area. You must not bring or consume your own alcohol on the club premises.
• The club is a licenced premises and English law forbids being drunk in any licensed premises while in charge of a child under the age of seven.
• The pool ‘snack bar’ is for ice cream, snacks and soft drinks only.
• There is no smoking or vaping permitted in the clubhouse or poolside.

• Experiencing cramp whilst swimming can be dangerous and lead to drowning.
• Help avoid cramping by only swimming when properly nourished and hydrated and by stretching before swimming. Fatigue, rigorous exercise and overusing a muscle can cause cramp.
• When experiencing symptoms try to leave the pool or when not possible move to the shallow water or to the side of the pool and if severe summon help from other members.

• The pool must not be used in the event of a thunderstorm or lightning.
• You must vacate the pool and take shelter from the storm until at least 30 minutes has passed after the last thunder or lightning has been heard or seen.

• Open Wounds: Do not enter the pool with open wounds or if unwell.
• Swim Nappies: Swim nappies must be worn by individuals not toilet trained.
• Contamination: Use the toilet facilities before swimming and do not deliberately contaminate the pool. In the event of accidental release or the discovery of contamination by urine, faeces, blood or vomit:
• Exit the water immediately
• Inform other pool users
• Shower poolside and again when you get home
• Update the notice fixed to the back of the pool access door to show the current state.
• At the earliest opportunity contact the pool maintenance team via WhatsApp, telephone or email committee@sasac.co.uk
• Pets are not permitted poolside or to use Cottonmill Swimming Pool without special permission from the Board of Directors.

• Filtration: The pool water is filtered by a filtration system that operates 24×7. A robotic pool cleaner operates on occasions to remove debris from the pool bottom. Members are encouraged to use the pool net to remove floating debris such as leaves.
• Visibility: Extra caution should be exercised when using the pool if the water is unclear. Do not swim if you are unsure. Pool use may be suspended if visibility significantly reduces as that increases the risk that a distressed swimmer is not spotted under the water.
• Pool Water Treatment: The water quality is regularly monitored and recorded by trained and competent members who are authorised to treat the pool with chemicals as required to keep the water as safe as reasonably practical.
  • A notice is fixed to the back of the pool access door, showing the current state of the water, and advising whether it is safe for swimming or not. Members should pay attention to this notice.
  • Nobody should attempt to treat the pool water, or handle the chemicals, unless they have received authorised training and have been authorised by the Directors.

• The showers use thermostatic mixer to produce warm water for pool users to rinse off following a swim.
• The water quality is tested as part of the building safety checks.
• The showers are turned off during very cold weather.
• Parents should not allow their children to “play” in the showers or the shower area.

• Do not operate any electrical equipment whilst wet.
• Electricity is available on the poolside and in some of the outbuildings for lighting, and electrical appliances. All electrical sockets adjacent to the poolside are protected with Residual Current Detection devices.

• If you are using the barbecue, make sure you know how to operate it and ask a member who has used it before for guidance.
• Take care around the barbecue area and observe all the usual precautions. Barbecues can be hot and can cause fires if left unattended. Do not leave the barbeque unattended when in use.
• All use and cooking is at your own risk (for example allergies, food hygiene) and it is your responsibility to ensure the food is prepared appropriately for the people eating it.
• Make sure that you turn off and make the barbecue safe after use and clean it thoroughly at the sink near the ice cream sign.

• The poolside floodlighting must be switched on when members are poolside after dark.
• The pool must not be used outside daylight hours, even with the floodlights on.
• The use of the poolside area is not permitted after midnight to avoid nuisance to our neighbours, and the floodlighting will automatically turn off at midnight.

The building entrance (front door) is fitted with a mortice lock and a magnetic electronic door lock controlled by our electronic key fob. The chub key can also be used to open the blue door adjacent to the showers.

All adult members are supplied with a keyset consisting of a chub key and an electronic card. Replacement keysets can be purchased via membership@sasac.co.uk

2. Access recording

The electronic key card is assigned to an individual member, who is required to sign in and sign out of the building using the paper log sheets. When leaving the building the paper log should be reviewed to determine if other people are still in the building or you are the last person.

3. Unavailable to Swimmers

At certain specified times and when the pool is on hire there will be no or partial access to the pool for swimmers. Wednesday evenings the pool may be used by SCUBA divers and for a few Thursday evenings in the summer the entire pool is hired by a local canoe club.

4. Hours of Operation

• The pool is available for both lane and general swimming during daylight hours, i.e. from 30 minutes after sunrise (i.e. not before 6.30 AM if sunrise is before 6.00 AM) to 30 minutes before sunset. Swimmers are not permitted to use the pool once darkness falls unless the specific occasion is agreed in advance by the Board.
• The SKEDDA system only allows booking during these daylight hours and booking availability changes throughout the year.

The pool area is surrounded by a high brick wall, topped with barbed wire, to deter intruders. Any intruder entering the premises should not be confronted. Politely ask them to leave (they can contact us via email, such as a membership enquiry). Using your mobile, call a friend or another member (preferably a director) to alert them of the issue. If all else fails, leave quietly, and call the police. Do not get involved in any confrontation, especially if you are alone.

• Club House Phone: An emergency telephone is located under the first aid box in the common area of the club house or use your mobile phone.
• Safety equipment is checked regularly but if you notice a problem please make the Directors aware.
  • Members should familiarise themselves with the location of the Club’s safety equipment and its proper use. Flotation devices, ropes and poles are located around the poolside.
  • Do not interfere with safety equipment – use it only for its proper purpose.
• First Aid: A First Aid Box and Accident Report forms are available in the common area of the Clubhouse.
• Automatic External Defibrillator: An Automatic External Defibrillator is located above the first aid box in the common area. Every member should know where it is and how to use it. If you do not know, open it up and follow the instructions – it is designed to be used by anybody. You cannot make the situation worse by using it. But DO NOT LET IT DELAY YOU CALLING 999!

Early signs are unusual behaviour and thrashing about and sometimes vomiting

• Head low in the water/ Mouth at water level and open
• Head tilted back and mouth open
• Hyperventilating or gasping or coughing
• Body vertical
• Climbing Ladder motion/ appears to be climbing invisible ladder
• Eyes are glassy and empty, unable to focus or closed
• Trying to roll onto back
• Trying to swim and not making progress
• CANNOT call for help or wave arms above head
• Facing towards people that might help them

Rescue drowning casualty

• When you spot an emergency or potential emergency incident make everyone else aware. It is an emergency shout out HELP and indicate the location of the casualty.
• Acknowledge the casualty and reassure.
• Delegate if possible. Someone can be calling emergency services, another getting AED ready.
• Assess the situation. Each situation will be different but generally plan to rescue from poolside first.
• If you are already in the water let poolside members take charge. If nobody else available get out of the pool so you can access the safety equipment. Do not become the next casualty.

Poolside Rescue

• Usually plan to rescue from poolside first. It is safer for you
• Deploy floatation aids; Holding out pole for them to grab
• Pull them towards poolside and shallow water

In-water Rescue

• Take care not to be the next casualty when poolside rescue is not possible
• Have a floatation device with you BEFORE you access the casualty
• Let them use it to float with and not use you
• If they start to overwhelm you, duck under the water. Drowning people will release you
• Pull them towards poolside and shallow water

Casualty at poolside

• If conscious give reassurance and let them calm down before exiting by themselves
• If unconscious, recover them out of the water and onto the poolside

Immediate Post Rescue

• If unconscious check for breathing and if OK, put them into recovery position and cover in blankets or towels, check for other injuries, and monitor until emergency services arrive
• If not breathing administer CPR and deploy AED defibrillator
• If casualty conscious, provide reassurance and make them comfortable. Look for other injuries. They will go into shock. It may be more comfortable for them to sit in a chair but if they faint, they may fall over. Keep them warm. Avoid giving them drinks or food and ALWAYS get them checked out by emergency services.
• Treat yourself and the rescue team for shock.
  • • 1. 3. Reporting Accidents and Incidents

Let the Directors know if there has been any form of incident or near miss, and if any equipment needs checking or replacing by filling in an Accident Report Form and posting it into the Accident Reporting Form Box in the Clubhouse. Email committee@sasac.co.uk if you have filled in an Accident Report Form. Copies of the Form can be found pinned to the notice board close to the double doors used to access the pool.

In the event of a significant incident, whether emergency services are called or not you must contact the H&S Officer and or the Secretary. Their mobile numbers are listed on the front cover of the accident book.

Bather density

Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools Section 68 references a maximum safe occupancy ratio of 1 bather per 3m² of water when there are lifeguards. We have assessed a density of 1 bather per 3m²  is safe for the Splash Zone because (i) parents constantly monitor their children in the water; (ii) the area is compact enough that parents can monitor all bathers at once and quickly access any part of the zone if there was an incident; and (iii) a rescue in the zone can be made by most standing adults because the maximum depth is 1.2m.

For lane swimming we assess all users as competent swimmers. We use a bather density of one bather per 18m² to reduce collisions.

The pool is 18m wide by 32m long and varies in depth from 0.9m to 2.5m. The pool operates without ropes in default configuration and with ropes in the alternative configurations

Default Configuration

Alternative Configuration

Lane Zone

Lane swimmers use this area in virtual lanes and maintain lane discipline. In default configuration the whole of the pool is a lane zone. When the splash zone is operating, the lane zone area reduces to 275m². The density is one lane swimmer per 18m².

Splash Zone

The splash zone is for playing. It can be used with toys and with inflatables. It can be used by non-swimmers wearing buoyancy aids. The maximum depth is restricted to 1.2 m (3’11”) meaning in most cases rescues can be effected by an adult standing. The area is 155m², and the maximum permitted bathers is 50 with a maximum bather density of one bather per 3m^2.

Deep Zone

This zone is restricted to diver and snorkel members for training and equipment testing and must be pre-booked via the Diving Director. This area can be used by lane swimmers if no divers or snorkellers are present.