1. Policy Statement

Balfour Swimming School is committed to providing a safe, healthy, and inclusive environment for all swimmers, staff, volunteers, parents, and visitors.

We recognise our duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and relevant pool‑safety guidance to ensure that risks are minimised and activities are conducted safely.

Our aims are to:

• Prevent accidents, injuries, and ill‑health

• Promote safe swimming practices

• Ensure all staff and volunteers understand their responsibilities

• Maintain clear procedures for emergencies and incidents

• Work closely with pool operators to uphold high safety standards

 

2. Responsibilities

2.1 Directors

• The Directors are responsible for ensuring that:

• Health & safety arrangements are in place and reviewed annually

• Risk assessments are completed and updated

• Staff and volunteers receive appropriate training

• Incidents are recorded and investigated

• Safeguarding and health & safety policies work together effectively

2.2 Coaches & Volunteers

• All coaches and volunteers must:

• Follow this policy and all pool rules

• Maintain safe supervision ratios

• Conduct pre‑session safety checks

• Report hazards, incidents, or near‑misses immediately

• Ensure equipment is safe and used correctly

• Hold appropriate qualifications (e.g., Swim England, STA)

 

2.3 Swimmers & Parents

• Swimmers and parents must:

• Follow instructions from coaches

• Report medical conditions or injuries

• Behave safely in and around the pool

• Comply with photography and safeguarding rules

 

3. Risk Assessment

Balfour Swimming School will maintain written risk assessments covering:

• Pool depth and layout

• Non‑swimmers and weak swimmers

• Slips, trips, and falls

• Medical conditions and allergies

• Water quality and hygiene

• Use of equipment (floats, noodles, toys)

• Emergency evacuation routes

• Risk assessments will be reviewed:

• Annually

• After any incident

• When activities or venues change

 

4. Supervision & Ratios

• We follow Swim England and STA recommended ratios:

• Non‑swimmers / beginners: 1:6

• Improvers: 1:8

• Advanced swimmers: 1:10

Additional supervision will be provided for:

• Children with SEND

• Deep‑water sessions

• Busy pool environments

 

5. Poolside Safety Procedures

Before each session

• Coaches must:

• Inspect the pool area for hazards

• Check emergency exits are clear

• Ensure equipment is safe and appropriate

• Confirm lifeguard cover is in place (if provided by the venue)

• Record attendance and medical notes

 

During sessions

Coaches must:

• Maintain constant visual supervision

• Position themselves to observe all swimmers

• Stop activities immediately if unsafe behaviour occurs

• Adapt activities to swimmer ability

 

After sessions

Coaches must:

• Ensure all swimmers leave the pool safely

• Report any hazards or incidents

• Store equipment safely

 

6. Medical Conditions & First Aid

• Parents must disclose relevant medical conditions.

• A first‑aid qualified person must be present at all sessions.

• First‑aid kits must be accessible and checked regularly.

• Emergency medication (e.g., inhalers, EpiPens) must remain poolside with the parent or coach as appropriate.

 

7. Emergency Action Plan (EAP)

All staff must be familiar with the venue’s Emergency Action Plan, including:

• Fire evacuation

• Pool evacuation

• Serious injury or illness

• Missing child procedures

• Contacting emergency services

• Drills will be reviewed annually.

 

8. Normal Operating Procedures (NOP)

Balfour Swimming School will follow the pool’s Normal Operating Procedures, including:

• Pool rules

• Lifeguard arrangements

• Maximum bather loads

• Use of diving blocks, deep water, and equipment

• Changing‑room supervision

 

9. Safeguarding

Health & safety works alongside our Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy.

All staff must:

• Hold an enhanced DBS check

• Follow safe‑recruitment procedures

• Maintain professional boundaries

• Report concerns immediately

 

10. Equipment Safety

• All equipment must be checked before use.

• Damaged equipment must be removed immediately.

• Only age‑appropriate and safe equipment may be used.

 

11. Incident Reporting

All incidents, accidents, and near‑misses must be:

• Recorded in the incident log

• Reported to the Directors

• Investigated within 48 hours

• Reviewed to prevent recurrence

• Serious incidents may require RIDDOR reporting.

12. Training & Qualifications

All coaches must hold:

• A recognised swimming teaching qualification

• Safeguarding training

• First‑aid training (recommended)

• CPD relevant to aquatic safety

Volunteers must receive an induction covering:

• Safeguarding

• Health & safety

• Emergency procedures

 

13. Review of Policy

This policy will be reviewed:

• Annually

• After any major incident

• When legislation or guidance changes