Covid Safety

So that the club can resume training we are required to have systems in place to ensure our activities will not risk spreading the virus and that we always know who was at our sessions, in case that information is needed by NHS Test and Protect.
We are doing this in a number of ways.
All swimmers MUST complete an online Health Screening before their first session – this is sent to you by email.
You must answer questions about whether you have any of the 3 key symptoms of Covid-19, have recently been in contact with a confirmed or suspected case, or have recently returned from aboard.
Each time you come to a session, before you reach poolside, a volunteer Covid Officer will ask you if any of the answers to these questions have changed?
If they have you will NOT be allowed to swim and the club’s Covid Lead Officer will get in touch to advise you on the steps to be taken before you can return to training.
If a swimmer has Covid symptoms, or is a contact with someone who has tested positive, they must follow the rules on 14 days self isolation as set out by NHS Test and Protest.
Please DO NOT come to a session if you have symptoms or know you have been in contact with someone who has tested positive.
You should tell the Covid Lead by sending an email to covid@northayrshireswimming.com
ALL swimmers must have completed a Self Declaration form sent to you by email to show you have read and understand these rules, and you must also take part in an online induction session to explain the measures in place at the pool and during training.
ALL sessions have to be booked in advance – an email with a booking form will be sent out weekly.

At The Pool

There are new rules we have to follow when using the leisure centres at the Portal, Auchenharvie and Vikingar.
There is no spectating allowed at the pools.
We ask that swimmers are dropped off outside the main entrance and walk in on their own, not in groups. Physical distancing must be observed at all times inside the venue.
The only exceptions to this are the youngest swimmers in the Development Squad. An adult can accompany them inside to where you meet the club Covid Officer who will check them in to the session.
There is provision in the guidance for swimmers who require a chaperone to have a carer assist them with changing. It would help if you could discuss these arrangements with the club before coming to your first session.
Face coverings must be worn from as soon as you enter the building until you leave changing room to go onto poolside. We also recommend they are worn when travelling to the venue.
Swimmers must use the sanitising stations set up at the leisure centres to clean their hands.
Make your way straight to the changing room entrance where you will meet the club Covid Officer – you do not need to check in at the KA Leisure entrance desk.
Swimmers should come ‘beach ready’ with your trunks / costume beneath your clothing.
Lockers are not in use – put your clothes in a bag and take them onto poolside.
Swimmers must have a very brief shower BEFORE the start of the session but there will be NO showers afterwards.
A swim lane will be allocated to you and each lane will have its own area where you can leave your outer clothing.
When the training session ends leave the pool only when directed by the coach, return to your lane area on poolside and put your clothes on over your wet costume and put on your face covering again.
Leave the poolside using the same route you came in and exit the centre promptly.
Parents of development squad swimmers should wait – physically distanced – outside the main entrance. The swimmers will be brought out by the Covid Officer when they are changed.

Training Sessions

There are strict rules on the number of swimmers in each lane.
You will be told your lane number by the Covid Officer when you check in.
All lanes must swim CLOCKWISE – this is different to how we used them before.
The lanes will be split so swimmers begin their set from opposite ends of the pool. If there are 6 swimmers then 3 will start from the deep end and 3 at the shallow end.
Good lane discipline is more important that ever now. You must maintain a 5 second gap while swimming.
Swimmers must also do all they can to stay physically distanced from each other when resting at the end of the pool.
Drinks bottles and kit must have your name written clearly on them – there will be no refills so have a big enough bottle.
Only bring a kickboard, pull buoy and fins – take everything else out of your bag.
Swimmers must keep all their equipment separate from other swimmers at the end of the lane so that you do not touch each other’s kit.
You may only use your own equipment. If you do not have it please purchase it now.
Swimmers will be allowed to take a toilet break during the session but it must be done one at a time.
If a swimmer feels unwell, or needs a medical time out, the Covid Officer will take them to separate area on poolside where they must remain until they are able to rejoin the session, or leave the venue.