Safety, supervision, and splash-filled fun..
This handbook provides guidance for swim staff and management to ensure that swimming activities at Adventure Camps are safe, structured, inclusive, and engaging. It includes procedures, expectations, and programming for crash courses, pool activities, and special events.
Roles & Responsibilities #
Staff Responsibilities #
If you’re on the swim team:
- Stay fully present and alert at all times — no phones, no sitting down
- Lead a short safety briefing before each session
- Use clear, assertive language to maintain safe behaviour
- Never leave the pool unattended while in use
If you’re camp staff supporting transitions:
- Arrive on time to collect / return your group
- Do headcounts before and after transitions
- Report anything that looks unsafe — be proactive
Keeping Everyone Safe in and Around the Water #
At Adventure Camps, safety isn’t a box-tick — it’s a mindset. The pool environment brings incredible benefits for our campers, but it also comes with unique risks. That’s why every member of the team — whether you’re poolside or just passing through — has a shared responsibility to uphold safety standards.
This section outlines the key risks, our safety systems, and how we respond to incidents calmly and professionally.
Key Poolside Risks #
| Risk | Description | Control Measures |
|---|---|---|
| Slips & Trips | Wet surfaces are high risk | Non-slip footwear, keep walkways dry, verbal reminders |
| Drowning / Near-Drowning | Unexpected submersion, especially in non-swimmers | Lifeguard always on duty, staff trained to identify distress signals |
| Medical Incidents | Asthma, epilepsy, or unknown conditions surfacing during activity | Medical info checked at registration, first aid and emergency response on-site |
| Behavioural Issues | Pushing, panic, resistance to instructions | Pre-swim briefing, clear boundaries, behaviour escalation plan |
| Changing Area Safeguarding | Potential for inappropriate behaviour or privacy breaches | Two-staff rule, staff positioned outside changing area, no phones allowed |
Supervision Standards
- Lifeguard (NPLQ) must be present for any pool use.
- Swimming Instructor must hold a minimum Level 2 Swim Teacher qualification.
- Ratios:
- Crash Courses: 1:6 max (Instructor + lifeguard at all times)
- Group Lessons: 1:8 max (Instructor + lifeguard at all times)
- 1-1 Lessons: (Instructor + lifeguard at all times)
- Fun Sessions (8 years +): 1:12 max (Lifeguard + assistant at all times)
- Camp staff escort swimmers to and from the pool, ensuring no unsupervised transitions.
Emergency Protocols #
- Pool Emergency (code red): Lifeguard initiates rescue, Camp Manager notified immediately.
- Evacuation: Follow site-specific fire exit routes. All staff assist in calm evacuation to muster point.
- Medical Incident: First aid administered by qualified staff; incident recorded and parent notified.
- Safeguarding Concern: Follow reporting process via Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) on-site.
Daily Checks #
Each day before use, the Pool Manager or Lead Swim Coach must:
✅ Check chemical levels (if responsible) or request confirmation from pool provider
✅ Walk the site for trip hazards, signage, wet floor warnings
✅ Confirm lifeguard presence
✅ Ensure all swim kit is safe, clean and accessible
✅ Complete the Pool Safety Checklist and submit to Camp Manager
Session Structure #
- WELCOME: SAFETY BRIEFING, SWIM BAND CHECKS
- SWIM TEST: ONE WIDTH SWIMMING ABILITY CHECK
- WARM-UP: POOL GAMES, STRETCHES OR LIGHT SWIMMING
- MAIN ACTIVITY: SKILLS, GAMES OR STRUCTURED SWIMMING CHALLENGE
- COOL DOWN: RELAXED PLAY, FLOAT TIME, STRETCHING
- TRANSITION: STAFF-LED DRY-OFF AND RETURN TO NEXT ZONE
Timetable #
| Age | Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| 8.30 – 9:00 | 5-13 | Crash Course | Crash Course | Crash Course | Crash Course | Crash Course |
| 9:30 – 10:00 | Beginner/Intermediate Max 6 per teacher | Swimming Lesson – ST | Swimming Lesson – ST | Swimming Lesson – ST | Swimming Lesson – ST | Swimming Lesson – ST |
| 10:00 – 10:30 | Beginner/Intermediate Max 6 per teacher | Swimming Lesson – ST | Swimming Lesson – ST | Swimming Lesson – ST | Swimming Lesson – ST | Swimming Lesson – ST |
| 11:00 – 11:45 | 8-10s Max 12 per | 1-1s (30mins) | Float Challenge – LG + IS | Underwater ObstacleCourse – LG + IS | Sink or Float Challenge – LG + IS | Timed Challenge – LG + IS | Swimming Gala – LG + IS |
| 12:45 – 13:30 | 8-10sMax 12 per | 1-1s (30mins) | Parachute & Paddle – LG + IS | Noodle Race – LG + IS | Team Float Build – LG + IS | Chant Practice in Pool – LG + IS | Camp Pool Party Setup – LG + IS |
| 13:45 – 14:45 | 11+Max 16 per | 1-1s (30mins) | Pool Strategy – LG + IS | Rookie Lifeguard (Intro) – LG + IS | Water Safety Scenarios – LG + IS | Rookie Lifeguard – LG + IS | Water Water Float Fenzy – LG + IS |
| 15:00 – 16:00 | 11+Max 16 per | 1-1s (30 mins) | Water Polo – LG + IS | Water Relay Races – LG + IS | Technique Circuit – LG + IS | Staff Vs Kids Float Battles | Staff Vs Kids Float Battles – LG + IS |
Special Events #
| Event | Day | Details |
| Rookie Lifeguard | Tue/Thu | Water safety, rescue techniques for older campers |
| Swimming Gala | Friday | Morning heats, afternoon finals by age group |
| Pool Party | Friday | Music, floats, water games, fun finale to camp week |
Daily Checks #
THE DAILY CHECKS FOR THE POOL MANAGER SECTION HAS NOW BEEN ADDED TO THE SWIMMING POOL HANDBOOK. IT INCLUDES:
- PRE-OPENING SAFETY CHECKS
- ONGOING SUPERVISION DUTIES
- END-OF-DAY CLOSE-DOWN PROCEDURES
Communication & Report #
- USE DAILY WHITEBOARD TO SHOW UPCOMING SWIM ACTIVITIES
- REPORT ALL INCIDENTS TO CAMP MANAGER IMMEDIATELY
- SHARE HIGHLIGHTS WITH MEDIA/CONTENT TEAM IF APPROPRIATE
- USE DAILY CHECKLIST TO LOG KEY SAFETY STEPS AND NOTES
Safeguarding & Supervision #
Protecting children is everyone’s responsibility — especially in and around water.
The pool environment brings added risks — not just physical, but safeguarding too. This section sets out how we maintain safe spaces, protect children’s dignity, and ensure every incident is dealt with transparently and professionally.
Two-Staff Rule & Supervision Expectations #
We operate a Two-Staff Rule for all sensitive or high-risk areas, including changing rooms and poolside supervision.
Changing Rooms #
- Staff must never be alone with a child in a changing room.
- If a child needs support (e.g. due to additional needs), two staff must be present and one should be of the same sex where possible.
- No use of mobile phones in changing areas.
- Staff should position themselves outside the changing room entrances to supervise transitions.
Poolside Supervision #
- Swim instructors and lifeguards must maintain 100% visual supervision at all times.
- No sitting, chatting, or phone use while children are in the water.
- Zone staff escorting children to/from the pool should:
- Do headcounts before and after
- Escort children to the pool gate or designated handover point
- Remain visible and professional
Always ensure smooth handover of children between camp zone and pool staff — no child should move independently.
Incident Reporting & Post-Incident Procedure #
All swimming-related incidents must be reported immediately, logged clearly, and reviewed by the Camp Manager and Safeguarding Lead if applicable.
Types of Reportable Incidents #
- Slips, trips or falls near/in the pool
- Any child panicking, becoming unwell or needing rescue
- Behavioural issues (e.g. refusal to leave, dangerous play)
- Inappropriate or unsafe behaviour (towards others or from staff)
- Medical or safeguarding concerns arising in changing rooms
What To Do #
- Make it safe – respond quickly to the child’s needs, remove others if necessary.
- Alert the right person – Lifeguard, Swim Instructor and Camp Manager.
- Log the incident using the Swim Incident Form (paper or digital).
- Follow-up – ensure first aid, parent contact, and internal review takes place.
Templates to Use: #
- [Download: Swim Incident Form (PDF)]
- [Download: Safeguarding Concern Report Form]
- [Link: Emergency Action Plan – Swimming Zone]
Ongoing Awareness #
Every member of staff:
- Must complete safeguarding training before working on site
- Is responsible for speaking up if they see something concerning
- Should always prioritise the safety and dignity of the child
