Child Admission Policy & Competent to Swim Test

Child Admission Policy

In accordance with the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) Guidelines and our own risk assessment we enforce the following policy at Larkfield Leisure Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool.

Children under 4 years

Must be accompanied in the water by a responsible person over the age of 16 on a 1:1 ratio.  However the ratio becomes 1:2 if any child under 4 is wearing a suitable buoyancy aid. Buoyancy aids accepted under this policy are those that fully support the child's weight in the water and remain secure in and out of the water, e.g. armbands or a float suit. Buoyancy aids that are hand held are not considered appropriate.

Children aged 4 to 7 years

Must be accompanied in the water by a responsible person over the age of 16, with no more than 2 children per responsible person.  If any of the children pass a 'Competent to Swim' test they still need to be accompanied, but no longer form part of the parent to child ratio.

Children aged 8 to 9 years

Must be accompanied into the pool by a responsible person over the age of 16 years unless they pass a 'Competent to Swim' test.  Once passed, they no longer need to be accompanied in the water, but a responsible person over the age of 16 must remain in the Centre.

Children aged 10 years plus

No accompaniment necessary.

Competent to Swim Test

The 'Competent to Swim' test can only be taken by children aged 4 years and over.  It involves the following tasks, which are undertaken in the Fitness Pool:

1. Jump into the deep end of the pool

2. Tread water for one minute

3. Swim 50 metres in two minutes using a recognised stroke

The test is readily available on request, and upon completion a certificate and free swim voucher will be awarded to the successful child. Each time the child attends the pool, they must produce their 'Competent to Swim Certificate'. The Certificate may be used at Larkfield Leisure Centre and Tonbridge Swimming Pool.

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Last updated: 23/02/10 at 10:23:32 Office use only: 15/2010-12-01