Swimming Admission Policy
West Dunbartonshire Leisure's Swimming Pool Child Admission Policy has been developed in accordance with national guidelines and industry standards.
The purpose of this child admissions policy is to help safeguard that group of pool users who historically are most at risk of drowning in swimming pools. It is not intended to stop children having fun and enjoying swimming, nor is it intended to make life difficult for parents/carers.
Persons responsible for children under eight in the swimming pool must go into the water with the children they are accompanying and must maintain a constant close supervision of those children.
Ratio of adult supervision required - main 25 metre pool:
- Children under 4 years of age must be accompanied in the water and continually supervised by a responsible person aged at least 16 years, on a one to one basis.
- Children aged between 4 and 7 years must be accompanied in the water and continually supervised by a responsible person aged at least 16 years, on a maximum of two children to one adult basis. When more than one child is being supervised by one adult, unless children are swimmers (i.e. can swim two lengths of a standard pool) they should wear British standard or kite marked armbands.
Ratio of adult supervision required - teaching pool:
- Children under 4 years of age must be accompanied in the water and continually supervised by a responsible person aged at least 16 years, on a maximum of two children to one adult basis.
- Children aged between 4 and 7 years must be accompanied in the water and continually supervised by a responsible person aged at least 16 years, on a maximum of three children to one adult basis. Unless children are swimmers, they should wear British standard or kite marked armbands.
- When more than on child is being supervised by one adult, children must wear armbands/float vets to BSEN13138 standard unless able to swim 25 metres and stand with head and shoulders clear of the water.
These rules are designed to ensure maximum enjoyment in a safe environment and your co-operation is greatly appreciated.
Buoyancy Aids - Advice for parents / accompanying adults
Armbands: A good swim training aid
Ensure you have the correct size for your child, as this will reduce the likelihood of them slipping off and will provide the correct buoyancy for your child. Purchase armbands that are manufactured to the British Standard BS EN 13138: 2003
Swim rings and inflatable toys:
These items require a child to grasp them for support and are only suitable for children that have some swimming ability. They should only be used as toys to encourage water confidence and must be supervised at all times.
Swim seats:
Commonly used for younger children and promotes false confidence in the supervisor. These items can capsize or the child can escape easily from them therefore a child must not be left unsupervised in swim seats.
Please ask at reception if you would like a copy of this information.