Purpose
Members and workforce should attend only when fit to take part safely and without an avoidable infection risk to others. This policy gives participation rules and reporting routes; clinical advice and stricter venue/public-health directions take precedence.
When to stay away
Do not attend when feverish, significantly unwell, unable to take normal fluids, or unable to participate safely. Do not swim with diarrhoea or vomiting. Return only after at least 48 hours without either symptom and when well enough. If Cryptosporidium is suspected or confirmed, do not swim for 14 days after the last diarrhoea episode; follow any longer clinical restriction. This longer exclusion must not be replaced by the general 48-hour rule. Seek clinical advice if uncertain about the cause or safe return.
Other illnesses and injuries
For infectious skin, eye or respiratory conditions, follow current NHS/clinical advice and venue restrictions. Cover suitable minor cuts with waterproof dressings; avoid swimming with infected wounds or where advised not to swim. Do not use attendance targets to pressure an unwell swimmer. Following injury or suspected concussion, stop activity and obtain appropriate advice before return; the coach may adapt the session but must not diagnose or override a clinician.
Condition specific decisions
Chickenpox: remain away until all spots have scabbed and the swimmer is well. Tell Welfare privately about chickenpox, shingles, rubella or slapped-cheek infection where vulnerable contacts may need protection. Do not swim with uncovered weeping or infected lesions. For impetigo, measles, rubella, scarlet fever, meningitis or an uncertain rash, obtain current clinical advice on infection control and fitness before returning; school exclusion periods alone are not swimming clearance. For hand, foot and mouth disease, use current clinical/venue advice to determine safe return. Treat lice according to pharmacist/NHS guidance; follow treatment instructions about swimming rather than requiring every old nit to disappear. Cover molluscum/warts as advised, avoid shared towels, and follow clinical advice for fungal or eye infections. If a child becomes unwell during a session, arrange supervised handover to a parent/carer; do not send the child to the changing area alone.
Medical needs and symptoms on poolside
Keep relevant health information and emergency contacts current through the Members Portal or authorised club route. Agree access and medication arrangements. Stop for unusual breathlessness, dizziness, collapse, pain or eye/respiratory irritation; inform the coach and duty manager and follow emergency procedures as needed. Report repeated symptoms or clusters to Welfare/H&S so the venue and appropriate health authorities can be involved.
Hygiene and environmental controls
Shower before entering the water, use toilets appropriately, wash hands with soap and water and avoid sharing towels. Report contamination to venue staff immediately. Pool testing, ventilation, plant operation and cleaning remain venue responsibilities. AST uses its environmental assessment to decide whether its activity can proceed; families should not assume fan operation alone guarantees suitable air quality.
Reporting and confidentiality
Tell the coach about absence or restrictions without posting diagnoses in group chats. Use [email protected] for sensitive welfare/health concerns. Share only necessary information with those responsible for safety. Record relevant incidents in the restricted club system and review recurring issues. The club will consider proportionate adjustments for disability or long-term conditions.
Policy review
Version 2.0. Updated 6 October 2026. Next review: 6 October 2027, or earlier following a material change, incident, concern or change in guidance.