Safety Information

Centre Safety

Premises and activities comply with current Health and Safety Regulations. Lifejackets, buoyancy aids, safety craft and safety equipment are all regularly inspected and professionally maintained. All teaching staff are trained and qualified to national standards for watersports and land activities. All minibuses are regularly inspected and serviced by engineers at Southampton City Council workshops.

NB: Flip Flops or flip flop type footwear that do not have a strap around the ankle are not appropriate footwear in any areas of the Centre.

Your Responsibilities

For visiting schools/colleges and private groups responsibility is held with the team leader.  They are responsible for the behaviour and safety of your group whilst they are unsupervised by SWAC staff e.g. during lunch breaks.  SWAC staff provides technical expertise in delivery of the activities only unless otherwise specified. 

Youth programmed courses are supervised by Woodmill staff at all times.

Every participant is required to complete a medical questionnaire before attending

Risk Assessments

All activities and use of SWAC are supported by risk assessments and operating procedures.  These are approved by industry technical advisors and licensing bodies.

Equipment

Premises and activities comply with current Health and Safety Regulations.  Lifejackets, buoyancy aids, safety craft and safety equipment are regularly inspected and professionally maintained.  The Centre is regularly inspected by approved bodies such as AALS, RYA and HSE

All minibuses and trailers are regularly inspected and serviced by engineers at Southampton City Council’s workshops.  

The Customer is responsible for the safekeeping of all equipment issued for use during a course/activity. 

Medical

All Customers are required to complete and sign a medical declaration prior to attending a course/activity.  The Customer must declare any previous injuries or surgery.  Also details of any medical prescriptions.  Any change in medical circumstances occurring between the time of the declaration and the commencement of the course must be reported to the Centre.  

Customers participating must expect activity to be physically demanding.  Although prior experience is not always necessary an adequate level of fitness is required.  The Council recommends the Customer contact their GP if in doubt.

All participants for water activities should be capable of swimming at least 50 metres in light clothing unless otherwise stated.

Provision is made at the Centre for people with disabilities.  There is access for wheelchair users to ground floor changing/shower facilities and classrooms.

The Council reserves the right to refuse a booking on medical grounds if the medical condition is considered to be detrimental to the safety and smooth running of any course/activity.

Filling in of Medial forms
All participants will be requested to complete a medical questionnaire on arrival at the Centre.  No participation will be agreed without a completed medical questionnaire.  For those under 18 years student consent forms will be supplied with confirmation of any course bookings.