COVID-19 Staff Information
Information for Swim Safety Staff in relation to events due to take place prior to the 21st June 2021.
Government restrictions currently permit event to take place, however, before the 21st June, at the earliest, they must be delivered in a COVID secure way.
We will therefore be implementing the same COVID measures that we put in place for 2020, for all events prior to the 21st June. This date will be reviewed based on Governement guidance and may be extended.
If you are intending to join us for an event whilst these measures are in place, you must do so having made an informed decision.
There is some key information that we wish to make you aware of:
- Alongside host venues and event organisers, we will take all reasonable steps, inline with Government & NGB guidelines, to ensure your safety & well-being whilst working with us at events
- You must be aware that there are inherent risks associated with events and the spread of Coronavirus. Given the specific role we perform, these risks cannot always be completely eliminated
- You should carefully consider whether working at an event is appropriate for you if your personal health circumstances (or those of someone else in your household) could be detrimentally impacted by it
- You must be aware of the circumstances (outlined in the COVID-19 Operational Changes document) where you should NOT attend an event to work (e.g displaying symptoms, required to isolate or quarantine)
- By working at an event, we may be required to pass your contact details onto NHS Track & Trace in the event of an outbreak on-site, despite all of the control measures we are implementing
Based on the above, you MUST make a personal choice as to whether working at an event this year is a sensible and viable option for you, given your own personal circumstances.
By joining our team at an event, you are also agreeing to abide by and support the COVID-19 Operational Changes we are implementing to ensure the safety and well-being of the team and participants.
If you are currently registered for an event, but would like to withdraw please do so ASAP so we can offer your position to someone else.
Please ensure you take the time to read our COVID-19 Operational Changes document to see what measures we will be implementing on-site and the changes that will be made to our normal operating procedures.
You must be happy to follow these new operating procedures to be able to work with us an event this year.
Team Briefing Videos
| Safety Kayakers Video | |
| Rescue Boats – P2 or P3 Extraction Video | |
| Rescue Boats – P1 Extraction Video |
Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve put together a number of FAQs that may help answer some of the questions have, but if not, feel free to email us at hello@swim-safety.co.uk.
What sort of face mask or covering do I need?
You do not need to wear a specific face mask or covering, just something that sufficiently covers your mouth and nose; it does not need to be medical grade.
You can wear any adequate face mask or covering you like, including a BUFF or neck scarf that can be pulled up over the mouth and nose.
However, we would recommend you consider something that can dry off should it either get splashed or you be unlucky enough to be out in the rain.
We are NOT recommending the use of the disposible type of masks as these are not designed to be used in the outdoor environment, are generally uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Additionally once they get wet, they are ineffective.
You may be aware we are selling Lifeguard Face Masks on Swim Safety Direct which are designed to get wet and then dry fast, and are comfortable to be worn for an extended period of time. We are offering Swim Safety Staff a 20% discount on these via the website. Use the code SS-STAFF20 at the checkout, and we’ll bring your order along to the event for you.
What PPE will be provided?
We will only be providing a limited amount of PPE on-site at events for staff (e.g. hand sanitiser). It is your own personal responsibility to ensure you have an adequate face mask or covering to wear as required.
You may be aware we are selling Lifeguard Face Masks on Swim Safety Direct which are designed to get wet and then dry fast, and are comfortable to be worn for an extended period of time. We are offering Swim Safety Staff a 20% discount on these via the website. Use the code SS-STAFF20 at the checkout, and we’ll bring your order along to the event for you.
Why can't we wear gloves?
We have decided to prohibit the wearing of gloves whilst operational for a number of reasons:
- Disposible gloves are very difficult to put on when hands are cold / wet / damp and so wearing and changing of rubber gloves whilst operational is not practical
- Removing gloves after contact with a swimmer and safely disposing of them adequately will be challening for those in boats (rescue boats or kayaks)
- There isn’t a way to adequately wash neoprene gloves after contact with a swimmer, which could result in cross contamination
Based on the above, we have instead opted for a robust hand washing / sanitising policy for all staff as we feel this is the most effective way of managing this risk.
As a consequence, all staff are advised to carry with them their own personal bottle of hand sanitiser. For larger events, we will have a station where you can refill your personal hand sanitiser bottles if required.
Want to keep in touch? Join our Swim Safety Staff Chat Facebook group.
