NEW STAnley SWIMMING COMPETENCE AWARD
01.09.2004
There is currently an industry recommendation that a responsible person should take no more than two children between the ages of 4 and 7 into a swimming pool, and if a child is under 4 the ratio should be one to one.
The STA and ILAM recognise that these criterion is not always practical, and there will be times when this current ratio of adults to children creates problems for customers and pool managers.
To address this issue, the STA in conjunction with ILAM has created the STAnley Swimming Competence Award, which has been designed to reassure pool managers and pool lifeguards as to the ability of young pool users. It can also be used as a tool to assist pool managers to vary the ratio where a competent adult is already accompanying two children between the ages of 4 to 7.
The STAnley Swimming Competence Award is simple and cost effective for pool staff to operate, and provides flexibility without compromising safety standards:
- The STAnley Swimming Competence Award can only be assessed by a STA Qualified Full Swimming Teacher (or equivalent), Pool Managers, or a person who is appointed by the pool manager, who is a qualified NaRS Pool Lifeguard (or equivalent).
- Candidates will be assessed on four key safety skills, including swimming for specified distances, treading water, stroke technique and confidence in the water.
Once assessed, the candidate can then purchase a STAnley Swimming Competence Award Identity Card from the assessor, which will be signed and dated, include a passport photo of the candidate, and details of the skills assessed.
On entry to the pool, the holder can then identify him/herself as competent, to allow the pool manager to assess and vary the ratio.
The STAnley Swimming Competence Award Identity Card is available from the STA in packs of 20, priced at just £1.50 per card including P&P. Click here to order online from the STA Swim Shop.
For further information, please telephone the STA on 01922 645097 or email sta@sta.co.uk.
