Pool Safety Operating Procedures

Version 2.7 Operational 30-May-2022

Key Points

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.

Remember to open the front door for the emergency services.

Know the emergency procedure and the location of safety and emergency equipment
The member must have access to functioning mobile phone when poolside.
Anyone who consider the limitations of the PSOP, risks, and hazards to be unacceptable must not enter the pool area or use the pool.
There are no lifeguards use the pool at your own risk
When poolside all adult members are
- required to monitor other pool users
- responsible for their safety and the safety of others
- required to know and enforce the PSOP
You must not swim or use the pool if you have consumed any alcohol
No running poolside.
No jumping or diving-in. No throwing or pushing people in. No bombing-in to the pool, enter the pool via the ladder or using the sit and swivel method
All adults in the pool must be competent swimmers
Children in the swimming lane zone must be competent swimmers
Solo swimming is not recommended.
All pool use must be booked in advance on the pool booking system
Use of the pool is for adult members and the registered children.
Only children registered as pool guests are permitted poolside and they must be constantly supervised by their parents when on the premises
Playing is restricted to the splash zone. No playing in the lane zone.
Soft inflatables and balls are allowed. Nothing hard. No paddles. No mermaid tails.
No glass or bottles on the poolside.
Verify everyone has left the premises before locking up and only lock the main entrance door from the outside.
The pool is run by the members for the members. Standards of operation are not equivalent to those expected in a commercial pool.

Introduction and why we have Pool Safety Operating Procedure

St Albans Sub-Aqua Club Ltd (the club) leases the former outdoor public swimming pool on Cottonmill Lane, St Albans, from the St Albans District Council (SADC), along with its ancillary buildings. The lease arrangement in the context of this document means the pool is defined as privately owned and operated by the same company.

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 safe operating procedures 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) and risk assessments and expereince with previous incidents and insurance conditions.

HSE legislation would not apply if it was a private pool used in a domestic environment but as this in not the case the club is subject to Health and Safety legislation except for parts of the legislation that are specific for employees.

The club Directors (the Committee) regard following the guidance in the document as the right approach to operate the pool safely, as following it will normally be doing enough to comply with the law.

Who is responsible for safety?

In a commercial setting, the operator and its employees are responsible for the safety with only a limited duty of care falling on the customers. The responsibilities and relationships between a commercial operator, its employees and their customers cannot be transposed directly to our club setting as the club has no customers, only members.

As in any organisation, everybody is responsible for safety and all adult members have a responsibility to do all that is reasonably practicable to take care of their own health and safety and that of others. Additionally upon joining and at each renewal all adult members agree to comply with the terms and conditions of membership that requires them not only to conform with, but also enforce the Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP). In the context of operating the pool they are considered staff not customers.

The Directors of St Albans Sub-Aqua Club use these Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP) to ensure the associated risks and hazards are managed to provide a safe pool operation for its members.

Limitations to the provision of safety

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.

The Club Directors acknowledge their obligation to ensure that all reasonable safety measures are put in place and enforced within the limitations and constraints of the premises and operational practicalities.

In a Club setting they assess it is reasonable to operate a pool differently to 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. Members are motivated to do this as they know that their noncompliance would mean the pool would be closed to swimmers. Consequently, EVERY member is required to:

Self-regulate and enforce the rules
Maintain awareness of potential safety hazards of using the pool
Follow the good practices defined in this document in and around the pool
Complete mandatory safety briefings and basic rescue skills before using the pool
Take responsibility for themselves, their children and other members who get into difficulty
Ensure everyone is following the Pool safety Operating procedures (the rules) and confront other members when they forget
When necessary, report members who do not follow the PSOP to the committee.

From August 2020 club officers will carry out random spot checks on the members who must demonstrate their swimming competency, working knowledge of the Pool Safety Operating Procedures, and on occasions demonstrate the correct methods of deploying the safety equipment as part of mock rescue exercise.

General Issues of Conduct and Behaviour at the Pool

We rely entirely on the compliance of members with the provisions of this document to keep the pool open and operational.

In the event of refusal to comply with Club rules or guidelines, refusal to comply with the direction of a Committee member, misuse of or damage to Club property or equipment, or serious or persistent breach of the rules, the directors of the Club may at their discretion, and with no refund of any fees paid by any member:

Suspend any membership for a period to be determined by the directors. Or
Immediately terminate any membership

Index

1. Non Swimmers 2. Competent and capable swimmers 3. Medical Fitness 4. Members, Members’ Children, Members’ Spouse 5. Members’ Guests 6. Club Guests 7. Private Function Hire Event (of the Pool)	8. Persons not entitled to be poolside 9. Supervision of children, young persons, and vulnerable pool users 10. Children (aged under 8 years old) 11. Young People (aged 8 to 17 years old) 12. Other Vulnerable Pool Users
13. Entry/Exit into the water 14. Pool Zones 15. Changing Facilities 16. Pool Capacity and Overcrowding 17. Cold Water 18. Solo Swimming 19. Scuba and Snorkel Divers 20. Snorkel Equipment	21. Canoeing 22. Swim Fins 23. Mermaid Tails 24. Competitive games 25. Balls 26. Inflatables and Lilos 27. Paddles
28. Prior Health Problems 29. Drinking	30. Impaired or Intoxicated or unfit to swim 31. Cramping
32. Hygiene 33. Swim Nappies 34. Open Wounds	35. Toilet Facilities 36. Contamination
37. Filtration 38. Visibility	39. Pool Water Treatment 40. Showers
44. Glass 45. BBQ and cooking 46. Trips and Slips 47. Alcohol Consumption 48. Electricity 49. After dark 50. Access Control 51. Access Recordings	52. Unavailable to Swimmers 53. Hours of Operation 54. Locking and unlocking the pool access door 55. Locking and unlocking the front door 56. Alarm 57. Lock-ins and False Alarm 58. Unauthorised Access
59. Mobile Phone 60. Club House Phone 61. Emergency Action Plan 62. First Aid 63. Automatic External Defibrillator 64. Safety Briefing 65. Safety Equipment	66. Signage 67. Mock Rescue 68. Accident Reporting Form 69. Observation and Monitoring 70. Recognise the Signs of Drowning 71. Rescue drowning casualty

Pool Users

All adults using the pool are required to be competent swimmers and be aware there may be non-swimmers poolside. Before using the pool, and on joining and on renewal, the member (and spouse of dive/ snorkel member) must have attended the club induction and pool safety briefing and be familiar with the current Pool Safety Operating Procedures, especially the clauses pointing out the hazards and risks and the emergency, safety and rescue procedures.

1. Non Swimmers

Non swimmers in the water must be accompanied in the water by their parent or qualified swim instructor and stay within their depth and wear buoyancy aids.

2. Competent and capable swimmers

One of risk mitigation measures used because there are no lifeguards is that all adult pool users, and all young people (children over the age of 8) who participate in lane swimming, must be competent swimmers as defined in Appendix-3-Competent and Capable Swimmer

When booking a pool slot members will confirm they are a competent and capable swimmer

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

3. Medical Fitness

One of risk mitigation measures used because there are no lifeguards is that all pool users are medically fit to use the pool. Adult members on joining, renewing, or registering children will self-declare their medical fitness and that of associated registered children on their membership profile and declare and document they are medically fit to use the pool when booking a pool slot.

Other adult pool users will make a written declaration .

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.

4. Members, Members’ Children, Members’ Spouse

The use of the pool is restricted to

Adult membership types that benefits include the use of the pool; and to
Junior membership types that benefits include the use of the pool when engaging in a club event and accompanied by the appropriate BSAC or BOA club officer; and to
Children of the adult members who are registered on the membership records and accompanied by the adult parent member; and to
Spouse or partners of dive and snorkel members who are registered on the membership records and accompanied by the member who is their spouse or partner.

5. Members’ Guests

Members’ adult guests may only use the pool when medically fit and a competent swimmer and have attended the club induction and pool safety briefing and be authorised in advance by an email from a Committee member. The member must always accompany the guest. For definition of guests see Club Regulations

Any adult person is allowed poolside when the poolside is hosting a club authorised social event and they unless a members they are not permitted to use the pool. All children poolside must be constantly supervised

6. Club Guests

Persons who are officially invited or authorised in advance by a committee member to use the pool or poolside and are required to comply with the conditions defined in the PSOP except when the event is monitored by a qualified pool lifeguard.

Visiting BSAC or BOA members must comply with the same conditions associated with the equivalent SASAC membership type.

7. Private Function Hire Event (of the Pool)

The pool can be hired in its entirety for private functions. 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 Officer. 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 Officer
Provide a signed waiver release of liability

8. Persons not entitled to be poolside

Social members are not permitted to use the pool but are allowed poolside to carrying out official club duties or during organised social events.

Members of the public and persons attending a private function hire event are not permitted poolside unless permitted to do so in the hire event risk assessment or they are poolside because of an emergency evacuation of the clubhouse.

Children, Young Persons, and other vulnerable pool users

9. Supervision of children, young persons, and vulnerable pool users

The parent or legal guardian or legally designated carer (hitherto defined as “parent” in this document) must actively and constantly monitor the 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 enter the water to assist their child/children
Be dressed appropriately safely enter the water
Be within 30 second travel distance of their child/children to affect 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

10. Children (aged under 8 years old)

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

Supervision of children in the water aged under 8 years old should be by their parent from in the water and within arm’s reach of their child. The parent must supervise the child on a 1:1 ratio, e.g. only supervise that one child and no others. This responsibility must not be delegated to other pool users.

11. Young People (aged 8 to 17 years old)

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.

12. Other Vulnerable 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 officer in advance of using the pool to complete the appropriate risk assessment.

13. Entry/Exit into the water

Statistically a significant number of injuries occur when entering the water. To minimise the risk we require members to safely enter the pool

Use the poolside steps/ladders or use a sitting swivel entry to safely enter the pool.

There must be no throwing-in, pushing-in, jumping-in, diving-in or bombing into the pool because there is a risk of injury due to collision with the bottom or side of the pool or with colliding with another pool user.

To safely exit the pool we prefer members to use the steps/ladders and exercise caution in cold weather as the steps and the side of the pool may be slippery

14. Pool Zones

The pool has been divided into zones shown in Appendix-2-The pool layout

Lane swimming by competent swimmers has less risks compared to using the pool for play and splash-about. Unless lane swimming members are restricted to the general swimming zone which is a shallow (0.9m deep) area of limited size and the only zone where pool users can play in the water and use toys and use inflatables.

Young people may use the lane area for swimming provided they are competent swimmers. The lanes are not a play area.

15. Changing Facilities

Use the changing facilities to change in and out of your bathing costume. Do not use the toilet facilities inside the clubhouse for changing

No access to club house with bare wet feet. You should be fully Dried-off and wearing footwear, (and not your bathing costume) before returning to the clubhouse. Wet bathing costume worn in the clubhouse can drip and create a slip hazard for yourself and other users. Footwear must be worn when re-entering clubhouse as areas of clubhouse floor are slippery in bare feet.

16. Pool Capacity and Overcrowding

We limit the number of bathers in the pool as overcrowding increases the risk of accidents and makes it more difficult to spot bather in distress. The pool booking system is used to manage the bather density. See Appendix-2-Pool Layout for details and why access to the pool is controlled by the booking system.

17. Cold Water

The pool is open for swimming – subject to the provisions of this document – year-round and is unheated. Any time 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. 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 out of the water.

Do not shower in hot water after a cold swim because it is 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 (see below on Solo Swimmers).

18. Solo Swimming

Solo swimmers are at 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 he or she understands and accepts 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 Facebook group.

Specialised Activities

19. Scuba and Snorkel Divers

Scuba and snorkel equipment can only be used in the pool by qualified members. Scuba and snorkel divers must dive in accordance with their own guidelines and have shore cover (diving marshal). All pool users must follow any instructions given by the diving marshal.

20. Snorkel Equipment

Adult divers and snorkellers who have been trained may use a mono fin and snorkel equipment in the pool. Junior snorkellers who have completed their training and are underwater hockey players may practise with a snorkel, mask and fins in the pool provided they are being supervised by a parent in accordance with the section above on supervision generally of children and young people.

21. Canoeing

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

22. Swim Fins

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.

23. Mermaid Tails

“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.

24. Competitive games

Participants in organised pool games will be more vulnerable to injury, and the organisers of these events must carefully consider their safety. Any formal competitive games should liaise with the Club’s Health and Safety officer 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.

25. 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.

26. 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 in or hidden from view under them.

27. Paddles

No paddles of any type, such as those used to propel inflatable dinghies, are permitted to be used int the pool. This is due to the risk of damage to the pool liner and pool surrounds from these items.

Health

28. Prior Health Problems

Swimming is an activity which requires general physical fitness and good health. It can also do much to generate these conditions, but some pre-existing health problems are not compatible with swimming. We require members to state their fitness pertinent to their membership type and record the status to swim or snorkel or dive or play underwater hockey as applicable for their membership type on the membership profile.

The medical declaration recorded on the profiles of registered pool guests should be updated by their sponsoring member.

29. Drinking

Ensure you are properly hydrated before swimming.

30. Impaired or Intoxicated or unfit to swim

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.l

31. Cramping

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.

32. Thunder Storms & Lightning

The pool must not be used in the event of a thunderstorm or lightning. Please 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.

Hygiene

33. Swim Nappies

Swim nappies must be worn by individuals not toilet trained.

34. Open Wounds

Do not enter the pool with open wounds or if unwell.

35. Toilet Facilities

There are toilet facilities poolside and in the clubhouse. Do not use them for changing.

Do not use the facilities in the clubhouse when wet because you will drip onto the floor and create a slip hazard for yourself and other users.

36. 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 and
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 Facebook or telephone and email committee@sasac.co.uk

Water Quality

37. Filtration

The pool water is filtered by a filtration system that operates 24×7. A robotic pool cleaner operates on occasions to remove debris on the pool bottom. Members are encouraged to use the pool net to remove floating debris such as leaves.

38. 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 reduced as that increases the risk that a distressed swimmer is not spotted under the water.

39. Pool Water Treatment

The water quality is regularly monitored and recorded by trained and competent member 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 shall attempt to treat the pool water, or handle the chemicals, unless they have received proper training and have been authorised by the Directors

40. Showers

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 the autumn and winter periods. Parents should not allow their children to “play” in the showers or the shower area.

Other Users

41. Poolside Users

Not everyone wants to be in the water. Those on the poolside for a BBQ, a drink in the sun, sunbathing, or just watching the fun, may also be at risk.

Poolside users should avoid getting close to the edge of the pool. Falling in is the obvious hazard, but there are also trip hazards, getting splashed by pool users etc. Take particular care if you have been drinking, or if you cannot swim. Throwing or pushing people in, and running poolside, is strictly forbidden.

42. Children

Children and young persons must always be supervised when on the premises

43. Smoking

There is no smoking permitted in the clubhouse or poolside. People can smoke in the car park

44. Glass

Only cans or plastic glasses are allowed on the poolside – no glass such as glass bottles are permitted. Broken glass on the pool surround is a real danger to bare feet and dangerous to swimmers and the pool liner if it gets into the pool itself. Empty Pool

Although the pool is now in use throughout the winter, extra care should be taken when there is little or no water in the pool.

45. BBQ and cooking

Take care around the barbecue area and observe all the usual precautions. BBQ’s can be hot and can cause fires if left unattended.

The club will not cook your food for you, so make sure your meat is thoroughly cooked through before eating. If in doubt, there is a microwave indoors.

46. Trips and Slips

Remove fins on leaving the pool and never wear them to walk on the pool surround

There must be no running in the premises including the pool area

The trip hazard associated with the filtration pipes installed on top of the pool side walkway have been mitigated using low level pedestrian ramps. You are instructed to cross the ramp with the appropriate caution

47. Alcohol Consumption

Alcohol is the major contributor in all adult related drownings.

You must not swim or use the pool if you have consumed any alcohol, whether this has been purchased at the club or otherwise.

You must not be intoxicated whilst at the club supervising children, whether you

intend on using the pool or not and always be capable of safely responding and rescuing the children you are supervising while at the club and especially when the children are in the water.

The club is a licensed premises, and you are only allowed to consume alcohol on the premises that has been served from the main bar inside the clubhouse or the poolside summer bar. You must not bring or consume your own alcohol on the club premises.

You must not be drunk whilst at the club supervising children, whether you intend on using the pool or not. 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.

Bar key holders and bar staff have been instructed not to serve alcohol to persons who intend or are likely to use the pool.

48. Electricity

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.

49. After dark

The pool floodlighting must be switched on when members are poolside after dark. The pool must not be used outside daylight hours. 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

Control of Admissions

50. Access Control

The building entrance (front door) is fitted with a Chub style 5-lever mortice lock and a magnetic electronic door lock. The magnetic lock is controlled by an electronic key fob from the outside. The chub key can also be used to open the blue door adjacent to the showers.

Any adult member may apply for a keyset consisting of a chub key and an electronic key fob. The key fob is activated after the member has attended or watched the compulsory Safety Briefing. Members who refuse to comply with Club rules or the provisions of this document may have their access withdrawn – see the section on General Issues of Conduct and Behaviour at the Pool.

51. Access Recordings

The electronic key fob is assigned to an individual and the keeps a record of when it is used. The member is required to sign-in and sign-out of the building using the paper sheets. When leaving the building the paper records should be reviewed to determine if other people are still in the building or you are the last person.

52. Unavailable to Swimmers

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

53. Hours of Operation

The pool is available for both lane and general swimming during daylight hours, i.e. from 30 minutes after sunrise 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 committee.

54. Locking and unlocking the pool access door

To open, unbolt the right-hand pool access door, push the bar lock, and latch it open using the external wall hook. Closing it is the reverse procedure.

55. Locking and unlocking the front door

When entering the premises unlock the mortice lock with your chub key and use your electronic key fob to unlock the electronic lock. When the door is returned to the closed position the electronic lock will re-lock. If it does not please contact a director by email using committee@sasac.co.uk . Check the premises and poolside are empty before locking the front door. Only lock the front door if you are not the last person to leave the building. Locking the front door will arm the alarm.

When a keyholder unlocks and opens the premises, they are responsible for locking up, or handing that responsibility to another keyholder. Always keep your key and electronic key-fob close at hand when on the premises, you will need it if you get locked in.

56. Alarm

The premises are protected by an intruder alarm. Unlocking the front door mortice lock with the chub key will deactivate the alarm. Locking the front door mortice lock will arm the alarm.

57. Lock-ins and False Alarm

Members who fail to check the premises are empty when they leave have unintentionally locked people in. The poolside door can also close on its own when blown shut by the wind but as this door cannot be opened from poolside you must use the blue door near the showers to get back into the clubhouse. Unlock the top and bottom locks on the blue door using the same key used to unlock the front door and relock it once inside the clubhouse. Be prepared that by entering the building you will trigger the intruder alarm if the front door has also been locked.

Locking the front door arms the alarm and anyone remaining on the premises will also be locked in. the alarm will be detected movement as an intruder and will activate the sounder. Locking the front door lock from inside the clubhouse or turning the lock when the door is not closed will also activate the alarm.

If you accidently activate the alarm do not leave but wait for the alarm responder to arrive, even if they have not arrived before after the alarm sounder stops. The alarm system will need to be reset.

58. Unauthorised Access

The pool area is surrounded by a high brick wall, topped with barbed wire, to deter unauthorised access. Any unauthorised person, entering either through the door or over the wall, should not be confronted. Politely ask them to leave (ask them to come back on a Wednesday evening if they have legitimate business, 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. It might turn violent.

Emergency equipment

59. Mobile Phone

The pool may only be used if there is a functioning mobile phone available to the swimmer poolside.

60. 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.

61. Emergency Action Plan

Dial 999 or 112. The location of the pool is Cottonmill Lane (near the junction with Cottonmill Crescent) in St Albans, Hertfordshire. Postcode AL1 1HJ.

Remember you will need to open the front door to let emergency service into the building.

When emergency services have been contacted please also inform a Director as soon as reasonably possible

62. First Aid

A First Aid Box is available in the common area of the Clubhouse. Should you use any items please make the Health and Safety Director aware so that they can be replaced.

63. 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!

Safety

64. Safety Briefing

All members receive mandatory Safety Briefing before allowed access to use the pool. It explains how to use the safety equipment and where it is.

Safety equipment is checked regularly but if you notice a problem please make the Committee aware.

65. Safety Equipment

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.

Please do not interfere with safety equipment and only use it only for its proper purpose.

66. Signage

Signage has been installed around the pool to reinforce the safety message and expectations of pool and poolside users

67. Mock Rescue

Spot checks will be carried out where members need to demonstrate their competency and the correct methods of deploying the safety equipment in a mock rescue exercise.

You may not be informed it is an exercise so we can observe your response and actions.

Another pool user may be asked to be a mock casualty or simulate drowning so we can see if you are as observant and as responsive as you ought to be.

Reporting Accidents and Incidents

68. Accident Reporting Form

Report all and any accident, injury, incident or near miss to the Committee by filling in an Accident Report Form and posting it into the Accident Reporting Form Box in the Clubhouse. Copies of the Form can be found pinned to the notice board close to the double doors used to access the pool.

in addition to filling in a form, Report all and any accident or injury to the to the Health and Safety Director by emailing committee@sasac.co.uk

The Club’s Health and Safety Director or any Committee member can also be approached with any general comments, concerns, or suggestions in relation to safety at the pool.

Alternative Lifeguard Measures

In our club environment every member is responsible for safety. The committee can make sure the framework is in place to create the safe environment but as you know when you read the T&Cs, safety is not someone else’s responsibility it is yours. We are a private pool and have no trained lifeguards on duty supervising the pool. Every member who steps poolside need to remain aware they are the alternative lifeguard and needs to act accordingly.

69. Observation and Monitoring

Every member once they step poolside needs to be observant and monitor every other pool user. When you see something that does not look right, it is your responsibility to check, investigate and ask until you are satisfied it is alright.

Your role: monitor other pool users and observe their behaviour to ensure they are safe in the pool and are not in distress or doing something that will be unsafe to them or to others.

And other members will be looking out for you too in the same way

On arrival at the pool

Before you change, check out who else is in the pool. Check nobody is under the water.
Acknowledge other club members, especially those in the pool
Remain observant after you start your swim. Monitor the other swimmers
IF you are observant as you NEED TO BE, you will know when they leave the water and know when other swimmers join the water
When you have not noticed the other swimmer getting out but cannot see them CHECK they are not underwater. Get out of the pool and check if necessary
On leaving the water acknowledge the other swimmers so they know you have left

On leaving the pool

After you change out of you bathing costume, check out who else is in the pool. Check nobody is underwater.
Acknowledge other club members, especially those in the pool, so they know you are leaving the building

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.

70. Recognise the Signs of Drowning

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/ appear 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

71. 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

When poolside rescue is not possible. Take care not to be the next casualty

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, 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.

Appendix-1- poolside supervision is not reasonably practicable

Under clause 187 of Managing health and safety in swimming pools a risk assessment must be undertaken to decide whether constant poolside supervision is required.

As the pool meets the criteria from the list, we note that it is strongly recommended that constant poolside supervision is provided.

However, St Albans Sub-Aqua Club is a club whose members are likely to be strong swimmers, and many of the members are qualified in lifesaving. The Club rules stipulate that the pool may only be used by members who have attended the compulsory Safety Briefing.

Although recognising this falls short of the recommended supervision requirements (4 to 6 lifeguards), it is judged and accepted as a reasonable and practical alternative.

The highest risk is probably posed by the use of the pool by non-diving members and their children. The rules are probably adequate in these circumstances, but every member must share the responsibility of enforcement.

The use of video surveillance has been considered, but the proposal has been rejected by the membership.

Appendix-2-The Pool Layout

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

Lane Zone

Pool users will use this area in virtual lanes and maintain lane discipline. It is not intended for playing or splashing about and no inflatables are allowed. In default configuration the whole of the pool is a Lane Zone and when the splash zone is operating, the area is 275m². To facilitate the area for lane swimming The bather density will be restricted to bather per 18m²

Splash Zone

Pool users will share this area and there is no lane discipline. It is intended for playing and splashing about and can be used with toys and with inflatables. It can be used by non-swimmers wearing buoyancy aids and 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 dive officer

Bather density

The Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools section-68 references a maximum safe occupancy ratio of 1 bather per 3m²of water when there are lifeguards. We have assessed a density of 1 bather per 3m² is safe for the Splash Zone because (i) parents will be 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 as all users are competent swimmers, and the area is not used for playing it is not necessary to restrict the depth. We use a bather density of one bather per 18m² to reduce collisions.

Appendix-3-Competent and Capable Swimmer

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 breast stroke 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