1. About these terms
These Terms & Conditions form the agreement between you and London Borough of Hounslow Swimming Club ("LBHSC", "the club"), a registered charity in England and Wales (charity number 1204274). By booking an assessment, enrolling in lessons or joining a programme, you agree to these terms on behalf of yourself and, where relevant, your child.
They should be read alongside our Privacy Policy and our Safeguarding & Welfare Policy.
2. Membership & eligibility
Membership is open to swimmers who meet the criteria for the relevant programme, regardless of background or ability.
Placement in a programme or squad is based on an assessment of confidence, ability and readiness.
Members must complete a registration form and provide accurate contact, emergency and relevant medical information.
Where the swimmer is under 18, a parent or guardian must register on their behalf and remain contactable during sessions.
The club may, at its discretion, move a swimmer between levels to support safe and appropriate progression.
3. Booking & assessments
New swimmers usually join the club through an assessment so we can recommend the right programme and level. Places are subject to availability and confirmation. A booking is only confirmed once we have acknowledged it and, where applicable, any required payment has been received.
We will always try to give as much notice as possible if a session needs to be moved or cancelled by the club, for example due to pool availability.
4. Fees & payment
Fees vary by programme and are reviewed periodically. Current fees, payment terms and any membership or governing-body charges are set out in our current fee schedule.
Please see the current fee schedule for up-to-date prices, or contact us and we will share the rates for the programme you are interested in. As a charity, several of our community programmes are free or subsidised.
Fees are payable in advance of the term or block unless otherwise agreed.
Places may not be held where fees remain unpaid.
Some programmes include a separate annual Swim England or club membership fee.
5. Cancellation, refunds & withdrawal
Cancelling by you: if you need to withdraw from a programme, please let us know in writing as early as you can. Refunds for fees already paid are considered on a fair, case-by-case basis, for example where significant sessions remain and the place can be reallocated. Some administrative or membership charges may be non-refundable.
Missed sessions: we are not normally able to refund or carry over individual sessions missed due to personal circumstances, but please talk to us and we will help where we reasonably can.
Cancelling by the club: if the club cancels a session and is unable to offer a reasonable alternative, we will refund or credit the affected fees.
6. Code of conduct
LBHSC is a welcoming, inclusive club and we expect everyone (swimmers, parents, carers, coaches and volunteers) to help keep it that way. All members agree to:
Treat others with respect, both poolside and online.
Follow the reasonable instructions of coaches and venue staff.
Arrive on time, prepared, and ready to take part safely.
Refrain from bullying, harassment, discrimination or abusive behaviour of any kind.
Respect the facilities, equipment and other pool users.
Serious or repeated breaches may result in suspension or removal from the club, in line with our procedures and our duty to safeguard others.
7. Health, safety & medical information
You must tell us about any medical condition, disability, injury or accessibility need relevant to safe participation, and keep this information up to date. This helps us support every swimmer properly.
Swimmers take part on the understanding that they are fit to do so. Our coaches and the venue's lifeguards are responsible for safety during sessions, and their instructions must be followed at all times.
8. Photography & consent
We sometimes take photographs and video at sessions, galas and events to celebrate club life. Consent is requested at registration, can be declined, and can be withdrawn at any time by contacting us. How we store and use images is explained in our Privacy Policy and Safeguarding & Welfare Policy.
We will only use images of identifiable individuals where consent has been given.
9. Liability
The club takes the safety of its members seriously and carries appropriate insurance for its activities. To the fullest extent permitted by law:
LBHSC is not liable for loss or damage to personal property brought to sessions or events.
LBHSC is not liable for injury, loss or damage except where it is caused by our negligence or a breach of our legal duties.
Nothing in these terms limits or excludes liability for death or personal injury caused by negligence, or any other liability that cannot be excluded by law.
10. Complaints procedure
We want every member to have a positive experience, and we take any concern seriously. If something is not right, please tell us so we can put it right.
Talk to us first: many issues can be resolved quickly with your coach or a committee member.
Put it in writing: if you would prefer, or the matter is unresolved, email enquiries@lbhsc.org.uk with the details.
Formal review: the committee will review your complaint and respond within the timescales set out in our Complaints Procedure.
Concerns about the welfare or safety of a child or adult are handled separately and urgently under our Safeguarding & Welfare Policy.
These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales. We may update them from time to time; the version published here is the current one.