S.S.&.B.C. Policy Statement

Swimming Ability / Water Confidence

Introduction:

It is strongly recommended that anyone participating in water-sports has a level of water confidence and ability to swim appropriate to the activity they are participating in.

It is recognised that the required level of water confidence and swimming abilities does vary according to;

1. The type of activity being undertaken,

2. The level and type of supervision being provided,

3. The type of equipment available.

Water Confidence Policy Statement

Anyone participating in any water based activity in SS&BC must have a degree of water confidence sufficient to prevent them panicking or becoming distressed should they enter the water through any eventuality while participating in that activity.

Non-swimmers (but water confident) participating in water based activities:

Where declared non-swimmers are permitted to participate in activities the following conditions will apply:

1. Non-swimmers are required to wear a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) which conforms to EN396 or above, providing at least 150N of permanent buoyancy while afloat.

2. Teaching ratios higher than 6 people to 1 instructor should not be used where there are one or more non-swimmers in the group.

3. The instructor must inform the participant or their guardian that there is a high possibility of them ending up in the water as a result of the activity. This should be acknowledged in writing by the participant or their guardian and that they undertake the activity at their own risk.

4. Instructors should consider spending some time getting a person accustomed to being in the water while wearing a PFD prior to the course / session.