Conditions of hire should include: The name and address of the organisation hiring the pool. The name and address of the pool hired. The name of the hirer’s representative (the responsible person - first point of contact) and contact details. The activity for the pool is to be hired (to assess the level of risk and safety rules required by session type). The numbers participating and their age and swimming ability (where a school hires a pool for a block involving more than one class with different abilities the form should be ideally completed to show all this information as the equipment/area of the pool used may need to be different for different groups). Specific agreement on the respective responsibilities of the hirer and the pool operator (for instance, number of swimming instructors and their qualifications; who will provide the lifeguarding; qualifications of lifeguards and the level of life guarding provision to be made, qualifications of First Aiders, child protection issues, staffing levels). Details of who is to be responsible for what in the event of an emergency (normally it is the operator of the pool who is responsible for building related problems and the hirer for emergencies associated with the activities of the group); responsibility for emergency equipment at poolside, e.g. poolside First aid, rescue equipment; responsibility for structural or power failures etc. will remain with the pool operator who will therefore need to have competent staff in attendance during the hire session. Any safety advice to be given to swimmers and any specific rules that should be enforced. A signature from the hirer that they have received read and understood the copies of the NOP & EAP. Appropriate third party liability insurance. Ratios for un-programmed sessions should be different to structured swimming lessons. In addition young children require close supervision in the water by an adult. 4 years and under in a ratio of 1:1. 8 years and under in a ratio no more than 1:2. Where schools do not hire pools but use them on a pay for pupil per head basis, schools are recommended to put in place a reverse procedure confirming their use to the pool in writing and asking the pool for details of the NOP & EAP, conditions of hire and respective responsibilities. Safety Equipment
Improving Physical Education of Muslim Girls in Physical Education and School Sport, Shared Practice Guidance from Birmingham Schools, 2008 Other Useful Websites: Chartered Institute for The Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMSPA) Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) Government Safety Advice on Watersports and Coastal Activities Buckinghamshire Safe Practice in School Swimming Policy September 2012 For further information and advice: Specialist and web addresses Education Support Service Manager Sandra Higgs 07917 087603 H&S Training Oxfordshire Skills & Learning Service 01865 797123 Training Pool Plant Management Carlton Associates Mike Shuff Director 0121 7060084 07710 206945 Biological Monitoring Kingfisher Environmental 01902 871700 Health & Safety Team Helpdesk 01865 797222
Schools Health and Safety Team Manager Joanna Davis Safeguarding Service Manager Barry Armstrong OCC Advisory Teacher for Educational Visits / Outdoor Learning Jan Harding Swimming Instructor Service Matthew Kearns Rachel Sutton Area Team Leader Christine Delaney Area Team Leader Debbie Massey Area Team Leader Julie Drewett Area Team Leader Michael Lee Area Team Leader Lisa Groves Glossary of Terms OCC – Oxfordshire County Council BLT – Buckinghamshire Learning Trust NOP – Normal Operating Procedure EAP – Emergency Action Plan DBS – Disclosure Barring Service SEN – Special Educational ASA – Amateur Swimming Association STA – Swimming Teachers Association IOS – Institute of Swimming RAP – Register of Aquatic Professionals AfPE – Association for Physical Education RLSS – Life Saving Society NPLQ – National Pool Lifeguard Qualification