Our specialty is to teach private and semi-private lessons. In most of our pools we operate with only 2 students per teacher, already a reduced student/teacher ratio. We follow guidelines drawn up to ensure rapid student progression under the direct supervision of an experienced Swimming Nature teacher.
In our parent and baby lessons we will be reducing the numbers further in many pools. This will ensure that there will be low numbers of users at any one time, whilst social distancing is maintained in the water and at the facility.
According to research, swimming pools remove the risk of transmission; Professor Keith Neal, Emeritus Professor of the Epidemiology of Infectious Diseases, University of Nottingham, says: “the likelihood of catching COVID-19 in water is virtually zero, because coronaviruses are respiratory viruses and have not evolved to thrive in water.” Plus, in a maintained swimming pool, chlorine is “designed to kill far more nasty bugs” and so “essentially removes” the risk of catching COVID-19.
Each venue will have their own specific guidelines, so please check them online.
Each day, teachers will sign in and confirm they are fully fit and free of any coronavirus symptoms (see NHS England guidelines). Their temperature will be recorded and we will confirm they are fit to teach. Additional training has been given to address the extra routines required to operate in, and provide for, a safe environment for your child:
One of the strongest approaches that differentiates Swimming Nature from other teaching practices is our method of pulling the student along by their hands, and guiding them to focus on the specific mechanics of strokes. We have sourced and introduced equipment that ensures a suitable distance while the student executes such movements, but the instructor can still apply our method of teaching.
Every teacher will wear a visor to ensure they are protected from any residue from students and vice versa. However, when demonstrating (swimming), they may take it off, while maintaining an appropriate distance.
We have built additional “stations in the pool” where students will safely stop to listen to explanations, in a very controlled environment.
Unfortunately, “give me five” high-five interactions are forbidden until further notice. The Swimming Nature team are actively working on a suitable alternative to recognise great performance!
Students at different levels of our programme require differing amounts of close attention. The table (right) shows how we estimate this. We ensure the application of our approach, and the enhanced equipment we use, will have the same excellent results, while maintaining the necessary protection.
FROG & SEAL
90%
(estimated)
CRAB & PENGUIN
60%
(estimated)
TURTLE, CROCODILE & SWORDFISH
30%
(estimated)
We ask that parents and carers work together with us and follow our guidelines to getting back to teaching and swimming lessons/swimming pool use. Total collaboration will be the answer to a successful operation rather than imposing strict rules. Of course, we operate in some facilities that will have their own rules and we will have to follow them.
If you or your child have any COVID-19 symptoms (raised temperature and cough, see NHS England guidelines), please stay at home and do not come to the venue or the lessons. Please inform us if this is the case by calling 03445 04 05 06 during office hours 9am to 6pm.
In order to have a smooth operation, and in case anyone in your immediate family unit is unwell due to COVID-19, once we are informed we will automatically withdraw you from 2 weeks of classes and add 2 credits (relative to 14 days) to your account. Note this can only be used as a make-up lesson or in a Fast Track Intensive Course, subject to availability. Once cancellation per family. Can only be applied to COVID-19 cancellations. Credits cannot be used to reduce the cost of a School Terms fees or an Annual Tuition Package. They must be taken in the current term.
These guidelines will be regularly reviewed to make sure we can provide the best possible services, in line with government advice.