Here are some helpful answers to some frequently asked questions:
What extra measures are in place to keep swimmers safe?
We have enhanced cleaning regimes which will ensure that all equipment is sanitised before use. All areas of the building are being cleaned frequently and we have one way systems in place. Swimmers will be socially distanced and pools will be sectioned off to keep groups apart.
Why can only 1 adult accompany a child to their swimming lesson?
We are restricted by maximum numbers we can have in our facilities at any one time. This will help us to manage that.
What if I need to bring my child and their siblings to the centre?
We ask that you try to only have one adult and one child attending the centre at any one time. If this is unavoidable, please contact your local leisure centre and discuss this with them. Any siblings will need to be kept apart from others at all times, remain with the responsible adult who will be responsible for them at all times.
What if I arrive late to the lesson?
Please make every effort to attend on time. If you arrive late to your lesson then you will not be able to swim.
Do I need to wear a face mask?
Yes – everyone aged 11 and over will need to wear a face mask when in the building. It may only be removed whilst completing an activity.
Will I be able to wait in the leisure centre while my child swims?
Responsible adults of all children will be allowed to stay within the building, with those supervising children under 8 given priority to viewing areas where possible. If your child is aged 8 or over we encourage you to wait in your car if possible. We may be asking parents to wait in a designated area within the facility (which may not allow for viewing of the lesson).
Why might I not be able to view my child swimming?
Where facilities allow we will make every effort to allow you to watch your child swim. This is not possible in some of our viewing areas as they do not allow for social distancing or comply with guidance from Welsh Assembly Government related to indoor gatherings. We have identified areas within our buildings for you to wait while the lesson is in progress.
Why are swimming teachers not in the water?
Our swimming teachers are not in the water under guidance from swimming’s National Governing Body, Swim Wales, which will help us to meet requirements related to social distancing and keep both participants and teachers safe.
Is the lesson safe without the teacher in the water?
YES – and there are a number of benefits too! We will be providing fixed buoyancy aids for all non-swimmers. Swimmers will learn how to be independent in the water, teachers have a clear view of all swimmers from the side of the pool and all activities can adapted so the buoyancy aids support the child in place of the teacher.
What are fixed buoyancy aids?
Fixed buoyancy aids are aids that help a swimmer to float which cannot be easily removed. We recommend you use arm discs (like in the picture at the top of the page) as they are safe and the support given can be removed gradually as the swimmer improves. You can buy them online if you would like to buy your own!
What is ‘Beach Ready’ and why does my child need to do this?
We have adapted procedures to minimise time in the centre and to allow time for cleaning to take place between sessions. Please help us with this by bringing your child swimming with their bathers on under their clothes. To help them dress quickly after the lesson we recommend they wear loose clothing like a onesie, dressing gown or a dry robe.
Can I get my child dressed after the lesson?
Yes, there will be time to change after the lesson. If changing on poolside bathers cannot be removed.
Why might the changing rooms be unisex?
We are limited by the number of people we can have in an area so may need to use all available space to get swimmers changed while adhering to social distancing.
How can I get feedback from my child’s swimming teacher?
If you have a question for the swimming teacher they may have time between lessons to update you on your child’s progress. If you need any further information then contact your centre’s swimming coordinator.