Drop-off & Collection
The safety and well-being of each swimmer is the Club’s priority. This policy outlines the responsibilities of parents, guardians, and coaches before, during, and after training sessions.
"Until the swimmer is poolside, the responsibility for their safety and welfare lies entirely with the parent or guardian."
Arrival & Drop-off
Slough Dolphin SC strongly recommends that parents directly supervise their children until they are safely inside the training environment.
Key Requirements- Parents/guardians of swimmers under 13 must accompany their children into the facility and straight to the changing rooms.
- Do not drop children off at the roadside or leave them unattended in the car park.
- Ensure a club coach is physically present on poolside before leaving the complex.
During Sessions
The coaches are responsible for swimmers when they are on poolside or in the land training venue, where they will ensure their safety and welfare.
Parental Spectating- Parents and guardians are welcome to stay and watch from the spectator galleries.
- We highly encourage parents of younger children to stay. This supports the child's welfare if they become ill or distressed.
- It allows parents to visibly support their swimmers as they develop technical skills.
Standard Collection
When the swimmer leaves poolside (or land training), the responsibility for the child’s safety and welfare immediately reverts back to the parents/guardians.
Key Requirements- Parents of swimmers under 13 must collect their children from inside the pool facility.
- Arrive exactly at the time the session finishes, not when you think they will be ready.
- If you are not staying during the session, you must ensure you are strictly contactable by phone.
Early Collection
Swimmers will not be allowed to leave a session early unless we have explicit confirmation from a parent or guardian, as the coach remains responsible for them.
Exception Rules- Illness/Injury: The child will remain safely on poolside. They will only be allowed off poolside once it is confirmed the parent is on-site.
- Planned Early Exit: Email the coach at least two hours prior to the session to authorize the departure.
- Alternatively, provide a written note to the coach at the beginning of the session.
Late Collection
We understand that parents may occasionally be delayed. However, after the swimmer leaves poolside, it cannot be guaranteed that a volunteer can remain with them.
Required Actions- If delayed, you must arrange for an alternative nominated responsible adult to collect them.
- If unable to do so, attempt to contact your coach or a club officer to provide clear consent (e.g., granting permission for another parent to transport them home).
- Uncollected swimmers under 13 must not leave the building unsupervised. They must stay inside and notify a coach or facility staff member.
- Note: Consistent 'no shows' or late collections may result in the swimmer being excluded from sessions.