Knowledge Base
Keyword: Risk
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A risk assessment is an examination of the possible risks and hazards that could occur and cause harm. Once potential dangers have been identified it is essential to put measures in place to minimise the risk of them happening, and plan what to do if any of them should occur.
Sports organisations have a duty of care to their paid staff, volunteers and athletes. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also places a duty on employers to assess rick to those who may be affected by their activities which includes staff and volunteers.
Download this handy guide put together by Swim England South West to help clubs when conducting risk assessments. In it you will find advice and guidance along with an Example Risk Assessment, a Risk Assessment Template and frequently asked questions. You may have an alternative format which you may want to use which is fine. The important thing is that you have a written record to acknowledge you have recognised the risks involved and have processes in place to minimise the risk to those involved.
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Swimming outdoors has its challenges but if it’s at an organised swimming venue with qualified coaches it can be great fun!
Taking your club swimmers into open water will give them the challenge of trying something new. It lets them overcome any fears they may have and be part of a team.
It also gives long distance swimmers the opportunity to experience a different aspect to racing, new techniques, and test their abilities.
Some swimmers who aren’t reaching their potential in a pool often find their feet and flourish in an outdoor environment. Providing new opportunities for your swimmers can help to retain interest and boost enjoyment.
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Whether you are a participant, teacher, coach or an officer responsible for running a club, you will find information in the Swim England Insurance Centre about the insurance, included within your membership affiliation to Swim England, to protect you whilst you are taking part in our sport.
All individuals who take part in swimming and other acitivites recognised by Swim England*, either as administrators, coaches / teachers or participants, have a Duty of Care to ensure they do not cause injury or financial loss to anyone or damage to anyone's property.
Swim England members are covered by Public Liability and Professional Indemnity insurance policy arranged with Hiscox. This protects affiliated members, teachers and coaches, officials and clubs if held responsible and are negligent for causing injury to someone else or damage to someone's property whilst undertaking swimming and other activities recognised by Swim England.
Swim England members also benefit from a basic Personal Accident insurance - This 'no fault' benefit provides cover to Swim England members for death and permanent total disablement injury whilst taking part in swimming, diving and aquatic activities recognised by Swim England.
Club committees also benefit from Directors & Officers Insurance and Commercial Legal Advice and Expenses to assist in the daily running of the club.
Below you will find a comprehensive list of FAQs answered in the Swim England Insurance Centre. If your query is not answered, please contact Howden ^.- What is the procedure if an accident has occurred?
- What is the procedure if the club needs to make a Liability claim?
- What is the procedure if club member has injured themselves and needs to make a personal accident claim?
- Is a club member insured to teach within the club?
- Do we need to have a lifeguard present during a club training session?
- Is the club insured to run land training sessions?
- Are club members insured whilst participating in triathlon events or training?
- Are club members insured for loss or damage to personal items?
- As a club officer will I be liable for any financial loss that the club may incur?
- Does the insurance cover the clubs equipment?
- Are clubs insured for fund raising activities?
- As a Swim England swimming club are we insured to train and compete in open water?
- Does the club need extra insurance if they are paying staff?
- Is the club covered if the pool is closed for a period of time?
- What information do I need to record when an accident occurs?
- Do we need extra insurance to cover our swim / tuck shop?
- Are club members covered whilst training / competing abroad?
- Does the club need extra insurance to cover training camps / competitions either at home or abroad?
- Are we required to complete risk assessments for all club activities?
- Are spectators at events / training sessions covered for loss or injury?
- Are we able to make a claim if a club member injures a non-club member?
- If a level 2 teacher is unexpectedly not available (e.g. due to illness) are we able to hold our Learn to Swim Session with a level 1 teacher in attendance?
- Do we need to ensure the club has an accident book available at all times or are we ok to use the facilities accident book and request a copy of the incident report?
- Are members covered if injured by a member of the public whilst carrying out club duties?
- Why do we need Employers Liability cover if all our coaches are volunteers or self employed?
- Why do we need Abuse cover?
- Is there a time limit to make a Liability claim?
- Is there a time limit to make a Personal Accident claim?
- As a club member can I make a claim directly with Howden?
* Insured recognised club activities, include:- training for and competitive swimming (including open water swimming/polo/diving)
- social
- fund-raising
- administrative activities
For full details, please view the Authorised & Recognised Activities page.
Please refer to the governing bodies for details of the approved activities or to establish if an activity you wish to undertake is acceptable. Some activities may need to be reviewed by the Swim England Safety Forum and referred to insurers.
^ Howden is a trading name of Howden UK Group Limited, part of the Hyperion Insurance Group. Howden UK Group Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in respect of general insurance business. Registered in England and Wales under company registration number 725875. Registered Office: 16 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1BD. Calls may be monitored and recorded for quality assurance purposes.
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Download generic risk assessment questions for a team consiting of adults, young people and support staff going on a residential trip to play waterpolo outside mainland UK with parental, guardian or carers’ approval.
Remember discipline specific risks must also be assessed and mitigated.
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Download policy and guidance which applies to all Swim England employees and affiliated Clubs.
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Hypothermia is a condition in which the body's core temperature drops too low. The body can be protected from excess heat loss by wearing a swim cap to insulate the head, and ear plugs. Body parts that may become irritated, as a result of repeated rubbing (i.e. the neck, armpit, groin) also should be covered with a lubricant.
The symptoms of hypothermia are:- uncoordinated swimming movements;
- disorientation when stopping to feed; and
- failure to respond to commands from handlers.
The coach should be aware of these signs and be prepared to end training sessions when hypothermia is suspected.
Hyperthermia: Training in warm water also presents problems. The dangers of hyperthermia are equally well documented and can involve the central nervous system and cardiac system collapse. The warning symptoms of hyperthermia are the same as those for hypothermia. The training session or competition must be terminated with signs of hyperthermia.
Sunburn: The risk of sunburn is a real danger that must be addressed, and a maximum protection sunscreen should be applied before training. High SPF levels are beneficial as well as considering Zinc Oxide as a complete block. Reapplication of the screen may be necessary for long sessions. Training in warm water may require more frequent breaks to replenish fluid.
The risk of jellyfish stings is greater in warm water areas and knowledge of the local conditions and emergency treatment procedures are essential.
A final health concern is the exposure to infectious diseases. Open water swimming in lakes or rivers may carry with it some risk of exposure to pollutants in the water. The swimmer should keep immunisations up-to-date (i.e. hepatitis and tetanus in particular, a gamma globulin injection may be required). The coach should consult with the local health authority to obtain information on water quality.
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With the increase in open water swimming in the country Swim England would like to encourage more clubs to support participation in open water. It’s important to make sure coaches have the right knowledge and experience to do this safely with the same level of professionalism that is achieved in a pool environment.
Open Water swimming is a great activity but it carries different and potentially greater risks than pool-based swimming therefore Swim England has issued the following guidance for clubs and coaches who do or wish to engage in open water swimming:
View guidance published June 2019.
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