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

Under 13s Parent Duty

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

Coach Duty Spectating

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

Under 13s Parent Duty

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

Strict Protocol

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

Emergency Action

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.

The Centre: Parking Restrictions (for Squads)

RingGo: 85152

Parking at The Centre is managed by Slough Borough Council. There are no grace periods for short drop-offs. You must manually register your vehicle immediately upon arrival, or in advance via the RingGo app. Fines are not automatic, but parking enforcement officers patrol the site frequently.

Parking Tariff & Registration

Up to 3 Hours: FREE – You must actively register for this free session using the RingGo App (Location: 85152) or the on-site terminals.
Up to 5 Hours: £5.00 (+ 20p convenience fee)
Up to 10 Hours: £10.00 (+ 20p convenience fee)
Note: Leaving your vehicle unregistered, even for a quick drop-off under 3 hours, risks a Penalty Charge Notice.

Beechwood School Access (for Learn to Swim)

Automatic Gates

Access to the Beechwood School pool requires passing through a secure, worker-operated gate. Please follow these steps to ensure a smooth arrival.

Access & Parking Instructions

The Main Gate: The vehicle gate is closed at all times. Please pull up and ring the intercom button on the post next to the gate (accessible from your car window). A school worker will grant you access.
Parking: Once through the gates, drive down the road toward the main school building. There is plenty of free parking available on-site.
Finding the Pool:The entrance is clearly visible from the parking area. Look to your left for the main, large entrance doors located just behind the bicycle parking area. The main entrance features two sets of large doors. You must choose the left-side doors (which lead to the sports facilities and pool). Once inside, head to reach the SDSC reception point.
Fallback Option (Gate Failure): If the main vehicle gate is not opening for any reason, please use the outside parking bays situated immediately to the right of the gate. You can then walk down to the building using the small pedestrian/student gate on the right corner.

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Slough Dolphin Swimming Club