Latest Covid Updates
LBHSC Covid-19 Risk Assessment May 21
LBHSC Land Training Risk Assessment April 21
LBHSC Covid-19 Training Procedures
Covid-19 Timetable Arrival and Exit Times for Squads
Latest CoronaVirus FAQs
Coronavirus FAQs
Do I have to wear a face mask to the pool?
You should abide by whatever procedures your local venue has in place and follow any relevant government guidance.
Do I have to maintain social distancing?
The Government has removed the requirement to maintain 1 metre + distance from people you do not live with from 19th July.
How many participants can I have in my club/Learn to Swim session?
The Government has removed the capacity limits, therefore you can return to your pre Covid capacity levels, subject to agreement with your local venue.
Can I run competitions again?
Yes, but event organisers should continue closely liaising with their respective venue operators, who may have their own rules on venue capacities, and continue checking Government guidelines.
What happens if I’ve come into contact with someone with Covid symptoms?
You should continue to follow the latest NHS guidance on when to self isolate and the duration of that self isolation. NHS guidance can be found here.
Can Swim teachers teach from in the water?
Yes. Swim teachers can do so now without the requirement of maintaining social distance from participants. It is for the instructor/teacher and venue to determine what they deem the most appropriate location to teach from based on their specific circumstances.
Covid Roles
ROLES OF COVID-19 LEAD, COVID-19 LIAISON & COACHES Covid-19 Lead – Alan Smith
- With committee and coach support, sets up the Covid-19 protocols to be followed.
- Communicating with C19 liaisons and coaches what has been put in place and why.
- Take feedback from liaisons/coaches and amend protocols accordingly.
Liaison Lead – Agnes Czaczyk
- In simple terms a liaison officer attends the sessions and makes sure protocols set by the ‘lead’ are in place, working, and being followed. (This could be multiple individuals).
- Speak to any members or workforce breaking those protocols.
- Report back to Covid-19 lead if things need to be amended or improved.
Coaches
- Influence the poolside and in pool protocols.
- Ensure that they are familiar with the protocols and risk assessment and that all training activities comply.
- Deliver orientation sessions for swimmers if requested by the lead and ensure that these are followed in and around the poolside
Swim England Updated Guidance
Swim England has issued new recommendations on land training and open water club activity after the coronavirus lockdown was eased by the Government.
Currently up to six people can meet in an outside environment.
This enables clubs to undertake land training, allowing for a coach to participant ratio of one to five.
It is permissible for clubs to organise a session that has two or more groups of five plus a coach involved, as long as:
- The groups are kept separate
- Everyone from different households is social distancing
- Strict hygiene measure are in place
- The club complies with this guidance and any relevant government guidance
Swim England continues to closely monitor the Covid-19 Pandemic through official sources, including the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), Public Health England (PHE) and the Chief Medical Officer (CMO).
A Swim England spokesperson said: “Our position must be considered against our remit as the recognised national governing body.
“This position is current as of 13 June 2020 but will be amended in light of new information emerging.”
Swim England can confirm that insurance cover will apply as long as clubs and their members are adhering to the Government guidelines and the national governing body’s latest land training guidelines are followed.
This includes coaches only delivering activity for which they have been trained and clubs ensuring that they have acquired the relevant permit, if necessary, for the outdoor space they are using.
Additionally, Swim England has issued specific guidance on open water swimming training for clubs.
This outlines how in certain circumstances, where it is safe to do so, clubs will be able to run open water training sessions in small groups of up to six (including the coach).
Coaches must have an appropriately recognised open water coaching qualification, such as the Swim England Qualifications Level 2 Coaching Open Water Swimming Qualification.
If this is not the case, then the club’s Swim England insurance policy will be void.
Ever-evolving guidance
A Swim England spokesperson said: “In all instances, risk assessments must be carried out and risk management put in place covering Covid-19 requirements and participant/coach safety.
“Please note, these are ever-evolving documents which take into account the most up-to-date Government guidelines which have been set out.
“Risk assessments are key to evidencing that the risk is being assessed and managed and this is something that the Government has highlighted must be taking place.
“It is essential that the club record and evidence that they are working to and controlling the social distancing measures expected by the Government.
“It is also important to remember that should any member act illegally, criminal actions would not be insured by the insurance policy.
“This includes breaking the Government lockdown restrictions and social distancing requirements.”