The Pool Water Treatment and Advisory Group (PWTAG) has been in contact with Public Health England regarding novel coronavirus. PWTAG have said: “Public health opinion is that it is generally safe to go swimming at this time." Water and the chlorine within swimming pools will help to kill the virus.

Toddler Pool FAQ's

What is the age limit of the toddler pool?

The age restriction on the toddler pool area is under 8 years old. All children accessing the area need to be accompanied by an adult.

Do I have to book for the term time toddler pool sessions?

Yes customers will need to book in person, by telephone, at reception or by emailing [email protected].  On weekends and during the school holidays you just pay at reception on arrival.

What sessions do you have during term time?

Term time we will have 2 daily bookable sessions, Monday-Friday 10am-11am and 1.15pm-2.15pm. These sessions will be charged at £3.75 per person.

Why do I have to pay for my under 12 month old child?

This is a bookable session, under 12 months have to pay the admission fee, alternatively you can come on a weekend when the toddler pool is open as part of our casual swimming session.

Why do I have to pre-book?

The benefit of pre-booking our term time toddler pool sessions is to guarantee a space as there is a set capacity. 

Do you have a SEN session?

We are currently in the process of looking at this to coincide with our current SEN sessions in bowling and soft play which take place on the first Sunday of each month, with the first toddler pool session expected to be Sunday 6^th October.  Keep an eye on socials and our website for updates.

Can you book a birthday party in the toddler pool?

We have concentrated on getting the pool open as soon as possible, we are now developing the programme and working on this in the background and will advertise as soon as we have finalised.

Can we book the toddler pool privately?

We have concentrated on getting the pool open as soon as possible, we are now developing the programme and working on this in the background and will advertise as soon as we have finalised.

What can you do as a customer to help?

Visitors to swimming pools are reminded to:

1. Shower before using the pool
2. Shower on leaving the pool
3. Follow the necessary hygiene precautions when visiting public places to help reduce the risk of infection. These include washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when you cough or sneeze and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth if your hands are not clean.
4. If you feel unwell, please avoid using the pool.

Swim England are the national governing body for swimming, they will be following the latest information and assessing risk as appropriate to stay up to date visit the Swim England website [external link]

Changing Village

• We have 57 changing cubicles in the changing village, 16 of which are larger family changing cubicles and eight have baby-changing beds.
• There are 19 showers, 7 of which are fully private showers.
• There are separate male and female toilet areas.
• There are three hairdryers, which are free of charge.
• All lockers cost £1.20, of which £1 is refundable.

We are is committed to creating equal access for everyone. Please see details of the Changing Places Registration Scheme for provision we provide at the Dolphin Centre.

Pool Temperature

The temperature of the pools is maintained between 28º - 30ºC, in line with industry recommendations. 

Our Toddler Pool is fitted with a heat exchanger which enables this pool to be heated individually. The temperature for this pool is maintained between 30º - 31ºC.

Lifeguards

All our pool lifeguards are qualified to the national standards required by The Royal Lifesaving Society [external link]. We expect the highest level of vigilance from our lifeguards at all times, providing a safe and secure environment for all our customers; and as such they are required to carry out lifeguard training at least once every three weeks.

Swimming Ratios

One adult must accompany every two children under eight years, or two non-swimmers under sixteen years. This is in line with best practice from the Royal Lifesaving Society.

Juniors can access the pool and diving boards without an adult if they are over 8 and a confident swimmer (can swim 25 metres and jump in deep water unaided).

Juniors can access the slides without an adult if they over 8 and a confident swimmer. Juniors under the age of 8 or using swimming aids must be accompanied by an adult. 

Swimwear

The following items are not allowed in the pool:

• baggy, see-through or ripped swimwear
• t-shirts
• vest tops
• skirts
• sarongs
• denim jeans
• cut-offs
• shorts with studs
• belts
• shorts longer than just below the knee
• underwear or thongs

Provision will be made for cultural requirements and medical conditions.

Do not wear swimming goggles if you are using the slides or diving boards.

Hygiene

• Do not enter the swimming pool if you are suffering or have suffered from diarrhoea within the previous 48 hours. If you have been diagnosed with Cryptosporidiosis [external link], do not swim until you have been free of symptoms for 14 days.
• Visit the toilet before you swim and always wash your hands after using the toilet.
• You are required to shower before entering the pool - if everyone does this properly, it will improve water quality and reduce the risk of contamination.
• All infants who are not toilet trained must wear an aqua-nappy. Do not change nappies on poolside.
• If the pool is contaminated by vomit, blood or faeces, report it to a member of staff immediately.
• Customers are not permitted to swim in underwear when swimming at the Dolphin Centre. Appropriate and proper swimming attire must be worn at all times. Swimwear can be purchased from our swimwear merchandise stand that is located in the reception foyer area.

Bather Loading

Bather loading in the Dolphin Centre pools complex is controlled by coloured wrist bands. These wrist bands are the locker wrist straps which customers receive when paying for a swim and a locker at the Dolphin Centre reception desk.

The Dolphin Centre uses 5 coloured wrist bands (Green, Red, Blue, Yellow and White) and during peak periods we operate our band callout system to manage and monitor pool users in our pool complex.

During peak periods customers will get a minimum of 60 mins and a maximum of 75 mins swimming time.

Above the poolside office there are coloured lights that you may see flashing. If the coloured light flashing matches your band colour, this indicates that your swimming time is up.

When calling customers out of the pool, the Dolphin Centre staff will also call a siren.

Prams and Pushchairs

Prams and pushchairs can't be taken onto the poolside. Please use the buggy park in the Changing Village or the one next to the 'Under the sea' soft play area.

Cameras and Photographs 

Customers wishing to use such equipment within the Centre must first gain permission from the Centre Management. We ask that all electronic devices are not used on poolside.

The Water Safety Code - out of the public swimming pool

Water may look safe, but it can be dangerous. Learn to spot and keep away from dangers. You may swim well in a warm indoor pool, but that does not mean that you will be able to swim in cold water.

The dangers of water include:

• it is very cold
• there may be hidden currents
• it can be difficult to get out (steep slimy banks)
• it can be deep
• there may be hidden rubbish such as shopping trolleys and broken glass
• there are no lifeguards
• it is difficult to estimate depth
• it may be polluted and may make you ill

Take safety advice!

Special flags and notices may warn you of danger. Know what the signs mean and do what they tell you.

Go together!

Children should always go with an adult, not by themselves.

An adult can point out dangers or help if somebody gets into trouble.