Swimming Ability Test for Children

If a lifeguard has concerns over a child's swimming ability and wants to swim in the deep end, the council have adopted standards from the ASA / CIMSPA Pool Swimming Award to assess a child's swimming ability.

If a child achieves the standards listed below they will be permitted to swim in the deep end*.

• Jump from the side of the pool into water of a depth of 1.5m or more so that the head fully submerges
• Hold a submerged mushroom float position for 10 seconds
• Tread water for 1 minute
• Swim 1 length of the pool

* Please note that the standard is only applicable for an individual visit and does not entitle a child to swim in the deep end at future visits.  If deemed necessary, a lifeguard can ask a child to repeat the standard assessment at future visits.

Customers aged 16 years and above have personal responsibility in ensuring they do not put themselves at risk while swimming.  If a lifeguard has concerns over an adults swimming ability they can be asked not to enter the deep end.