Our Policies

BUSY DAYS

In order to ensure safety and to allow everyone to get into the water on very busy days, we will implement the following procedure:

  • The site can accommodate 500 people but when the pool reaches bathing capacity, which is up to 120 when we have three lifeguards, we will stop bathers entering the main pool and erect a temporary barrier at the entry and exit of the pool area.

  • People wanting to swim will need to form a queue from the poolside entry point (nearest to the changing room exit). The queue will run down the outside of the railings towards the old diving boards.

  • A whistle will be sounded and everyone in the water must get out to the far side. This will be organised by a volunteer (orange shirt) or a lifeguard (yellow shirt) under the direction of the Duty Manager or Pool Manager

  • When the pool is empty of bathers, the next group of up to 120 will be allowed into the water for their 20 minute session.

ADMISSIONS
One carer accompanying a paying person with disabilities will be allowed free admission; however the carer must accompany the person at all times. Staff have the right to ask for proof of disability.

Single admission price is for one continuous visit only. We regret there is no readmission.

ADULT TO CHILD RATIO
Our policy is as follows, whether in or out of the water and regardless of swimming ability. These supervision levels may differ from other pools, but are necessary to ensure the safety of all bathers as we do not have a separate training pool. Thank you for your understanding.

1 Adult to 2 children under 8

SMOKING
Smoking, including electronic cigarettes, is not allowed anywhere on the premises except in the single designated smoking area at the top of the terraces. This area is designated for smoking only and not for sunbathing.

THUNDER AND LIGHTNING
If there is thunder and lightning in the vicinity, for the safety of everyone, swimmers will be asked to leave the water and will not be able to re-enter until the manager deems it safe to do so. The manager’s decision will be final, and we appreciate your co-operation.

BAD WEATHER POLICY

Are sessions cancelled due to bad weather?
No – sessions go ahead whatever the weather

What happens in the event of thunder/lightning?
We follow ROSPA guidance which indicates that when, in the judgement of the lifeguarding team, the lightning is within around 6 miles of the Pool,  then we need to clear pool and get people to safe place. We only return 30 mins after last sound of thunder. 

Are sessions cancelled in advance due to lightning risk or forecast?
No. We do not cancel sessions in advance due to lightning risk or forecast – since action is needed only if we judge that a storm has come within 6 miles of the pool, and this cannot be predicted specifically in advance.

Can a session be ended early due to lightning?
Yes, if the storm continues to within 30 mins of end of session, we would need to end the session. Or a session might be delayed or not able to start if the storm is within 6 miles of the Pool within 30 mins of the start. We would of course consider a refund in such circumstances.

PRIVACY POLICY
A copy of Portishead Pool Community Trust’s Privacy Policy can be downloaded here.