Change to Pool Session Arrangements

At a recent meeting of the clubs committee, it was agreed to bring into effect some changes to the running and organising of the club.

The growing number of young pool users has given rise to safety concerns.  In response changes have been proposed, with immediate effect, to the management of the pool session and Code of Conduct. Additionally it serves to remind parents/ Guardians of the responsibility they have to their children.

Session Management
Primary age children will paddle in the diving pool.  Up to 6 white pool boats may be used per 40min session supervised by a coach and an assistant and/or parent helper. Sessions run from  6 to 6:40pm and 6:45 to 7:25pm.   Junior members presenting themselves by 6 pm will be allocated session places; the remaining places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis to non-members.    

These arrangements will be in place until the end April.  Please be advised that next year the pool session will be open to paddlers of secondary school age and above.

Code of Conduct
Pool code of conduct exists to ensure the safety and welfare of all pool users.  Parents are asked to familiarise themselves with the published Code of Conduct for pool sessions and assist their child to understand and comply.  I draw your particular attention to:
1 The prohibition on swimming during the kayaking session – a swimmer may not be seen by other kayakers and is vulnerable to being knocked unconscious.
2 The requirement for a parent to remain in the Citadel during the session and take responsibility for supervision and assistance when needed, in particular to assist with emptying and carrying boats.
3 Any paddler displaying unreasonable behaviour will be asked to leave the pool session immediately.

Coaching and supervision is provided on a voluntary basis by club members.  Parental support of younger members is crucial for the continued provision of coaching to junior members in a safe environment.  In particular younger children may need your support and assistance.  If your child does need assistance please be available to enter the pool area (outdoor shoes removed) and assist with moving and emptying boats. 

These changes and number restrictions are for safety reasons and we hope that club members will respect the need for the club to impose them.

I thank you in anticipation of your co-operation

Hugh Little
Chairman,
Kyle Kayak Club.
 
Pool Training Sessions – Code of Conduct  (Extracted from the club standing orders)
General:
i) Paddlers should obey the ‘Pool Rules’ displayed by the sides of the pool.

ii) Paddlers must comply with requests made by the Lifeguards or staff of the Citadel.

iii) Paddlers must leave the pool when signalled to do so by the pool staff or a club coach.
iv) No free swimming during kayaking sessions.  On capsize empty and re-enter boat or leave the pool as soon as possible.
Care of the Pool Environment:
i) In order to prevent contamination of the pool or poolside, paddlers who are using their own boats must ensure that they have been thoroughly cleaned, both inside and out, and are empty of any river / sea water before bring them into ‘The Citadel’.

ii) The use of metal edge paddles should be avoided.  If these are used then the edges must be taped to avoid damage to the pool tiles and to other paddlers.

iii) To avoid the risk of spreading disease outdoor footwear should not be worn on the pool side.

iv) The use of ‘seal launching’ to enter the water from the poolside should be avoided to prevent possible damage to the edge tiles.
Equipment:
i) Paddlers who do not have, or have not brought, a boat of their own should offer assistance with carrying boats up to the poolside at the start of the session.

ii) Paddlers who have had the use of a club boat or have borrowed boat during the session should ensure that they return it, empty of water, either to the boat store or to the car park as appropriate.

iii) Any damage to equipment, or equipment that is defective, must be reported to a member of the committee or to the owner of the equipment.
Conduct:
i) Any paddler behaving in a dangerous or an unreasonable manner will be asked to leave the pool.

ii) Junior paddlers or novices should not enter the water until they have the permission of a club coach to do so.
iii) For all juniors under 14 a parent must remain within the Citadel and accept responsibility for supervision and assistance  for the duration of the session.
Payment:
i) Current pool fees will be displayed on the club notice board.

ii) A member of the committee will be available at the session to collect pool fees.

iii) Failure to pay the fee requested on two or more consecutive occasions will result in the relevant non-member fee being charged for all outstanding payments.

PLEASE NOTE: OUR CONTINUED USE OF THE POOL FOR TRAINING PURPOSES IS AT THE DISCRETION OF THE CITADEL.  FAILURE TO TAKE ADEQUATE CARE OF THE POOL AND ITS SURROUNDS COULD WELL RESULT IN THE LOSS OF THIS VALUABLE FACILITY.