Pool rules and safety

To keep everyone safe and healthy at the pools, we have rules about the supervision of children, hygiene and illness. We also expect our customers to behave in a safe and responsible manner to all staff and customers, and to treat the facility with care and respect.

Freyberg pool staff.

Children

Nappies

Children under 3 must wear a waterproof nappy or swimming pants. This helps us make sure pools are kept safe and clean, and reduces pool closures for all customers. You can buy Huggies Little Swimmers swimming pants at the pools. Some pools also stock Zoggs reusable nappies.

Check your child's swim nappy regularly and change at least once an hour.

Standard or disposable nappies may not be worn in the pool. This is because:

  • both standard and disposable nappies absorb a lot of water and become very heavy, which increases the risk of the baby or toddler sinking
  • waterlogged disposable nappies fall apart in the water and can affect the performance of the filters.

Young children must be supervised at the pool

Under 3 years old

Children under 3 years old can only be in the water with an adult (a person over 16 years old).

Under 5 years old

All children under 5 years old have to be kept within arms reach of their adult supervisor (a person over 16 years old).

Under 8 years old

Children under 8 years old must be carefully watched by an adult (a person over 16 years old). 

Breastfeeding

We welcome breastfeeding anywhere public at our pools.

Lifeguards and pool staff 

To keep swimmers safe, all our pools meet the national PoolSafe standard and we have qualified lifeguards on duty at all times.

Remember to follow all instructions given by our staff and displayed on any safety signs and notices.

Saunas and steam rooms

The minimum age to use the saunas and steam rooms is 16 years. No children are allowed in these rooms.

Illness

To help prevent other swimmers getting ill, stay away from any swimming pool for at least 2 weeks after an illness with diarrhoea and tummy upset.