EDITED - COVID-19 AMENDED RULES. THESE STRICT MEASURES HAVE BEEN PUT IN PLACE TO PROTECT EVERYONE AND MUST BE OBEYED AT ALL TIMES. ANYONE DISOBEYING THE RULES UNFORTUNATELY WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE AND COULD RECEIVE A BAN IMPOSED BY THE MANAGEMENT OF DWSC & NETHERTON OPEN WATER SWIMMING .
PLEASE TAKE EVERY STEP POSSIBLE TO PROTECT EVERYONE INCLUDING YOURSELF.
SOME WATER SPORT ACTIVITY IS BETTER THAN NON AT ALL SO WOULD APPRECIATE EVERYONE CO-OPERATION AND SUPPORT IN ENSURING THAT YOU BE MINDFUL OF YOUR TIME IN THE WATER, RULES IMPOSED, AND SOCIAL DISTANCING. PLEASE MAKE YOUR CHANGES AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE TO ALLOW OTHERS TO TAKE THEIR TURN.
Who is ‘clinically extremely vulnerable’?
Expert doctors in England have identified specific medical conditions that, based on what we know about the virus so far, place someone at greatest risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
Clinically extremely vulnerable people may include the following people. Disease severity, history or treatment levels will also affect who is in the group.
Solid organ transplant recipients.
People with specific cancers:people with cancer who are undergoing active chemotherapy
people with lung cancer who are undergoing radical radiotherapy
people with cancers of the blood or bone marrow such as leukaemia, lymphoma or myeloma who are at any stage of treatment
people having immunotherapy or other continuing antibody treatments for cancer
people having other targeted cancer treatments which can affect the immune system, such as protein kinase inhibitors or PARP inhibitors
people who have had bone marrow or stem cell transplants in the last 6 months, or who are still taking immunosuppression drugs
People with severe respiratory conditions including all cystic fibrosis, severe asthma and severe chronic obstructive pulmonary (COPD).
People with rare diseases that significantly increase the risk of infections (such as SCID, homozygous sickle cell).
People on immunosuppression therapies sufficient to significantly increase risk of infection.
Women who are pregnant with significant heart disease, congenital or acquired.
People who fall in this group should have been contacted to tell them they are clinically extremely vulnerable.
If you’re still concerned, you should discuss your concerns with your GP or hospital clinician.
BUT MOST OF ALL - DO NOT ATTEND
Staying at home and shielding
You’re strongly advised to stay at home at all times and avoid any face-to-face contact if you’re clinically extremely vulnerable to protect yourself.
This is called ‘shielding’.
Shielding means:
Do not leave your house.
Do not attend any gatherings. This includes gatherings of friends and families in private spaces, for example, family homes, weddings and religious services.
Strictly avoid contact with someone who is displaying symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19). These symptoms include high temperature and/or new and continuous cough.
The Government is currently advising people to shield until the end of June and is regularly monitoring this position.
IF YOU ARE UNWELL AND/OR SHOWING SIGNS OF CORONAVIRUS - DO NOT ATTEND AND SELF ISOLATE
Due to Covid 19 we are taking steps to reduce the spread and ensure we are compliant as best as possible. Our Normal Operating Procedures have somewhat changed and we must be seen to be taking reasonable steps and precautions to limit the spread of the virus. We have consulted with NOWCA and that of the Central Committee of DWSC to incorporate some very strict rules that you must be aware of and abide by:
1. Bookings will be made in advance
2. Time slots will be: 7.00am-7.55am, 7.25am-8.20am & 7.50am-8.45am on Saturdays, all subject to change
5.30pm -6.30pm, 6.00pm- 7.00pm, 6.30pm - 7.30pm, 7.00pm-8.00pm, 8.30pm to 8.30pm on Mondays. All Subject to change, we have been given extended Monday hours to help facilitate and spread out numbers. This is temporary.
3. Maximum number of people per slot - (1 hour slot example 45 min swim & 15 minute change over - the quicker you are in the water the longer you get)
4. All users will be expected to be ready to swim (changed prior to arriving on site) and to proceed to the gate at their allotted time which will be given via email after registration. This will be a maximum of 5 people per access time slot. We will call you in in small batches to manage numbers. Changing on site prior to your start is NOT PERMITTED.
5. Users may only bring with them their towel/coat, shoes/flip flops, car keys or a small bag into the compound.
6. The gate nearest the canal will be open for entry and must keeping 2 metres distance from one another. (members of the same household may queue together).
7. Users must scan in using their NOWCA band, and payment will be made upfront via bank transfer before the session starts to reduce the need for cash transactions. (No NOWCA Band and no prepayment means no swimming.)
8. Users will be asked to leave their belongings (at their own risk) within the compound at a safe distance from other users and proceed into the water.
9. Once that person has safely entered the water, the next person will be allowed in to repeat points 7 & 8, until all members are in.
10. Entry into the water will be via the ramp and/or the black jetty.
11. Swimming will be in an anti-clockwise circle and the short course will be open.
12. Safety crews will be on the water and on land observing and monitoring distances and ensuring everyone’s safety.
13. Exit from the water will be via the normal steps.
14. Guests will be asked to gather their belongings, scan out and exit the compound from the main gates.
15. Changing will be done at the rear of their cars to minimise any contact and reduce numbers on land within the compound. Please do this as quickly as possible to allow quick turnaround.
16. All swimmers will be required to leave the water before the end of their "slot" to allow a swift change over for the next session.
17. 2nd slot bookers will be asked to refrain from arriving on site till 5-10 minutes before their allocated time slot. We need to ensure that mass gatherings are reduced to an absolute minimum.
18. Wetsuits and/or Tow Floats will not be hired. - This is subject to change.
19. All users must provide their own equipment (wetsuits, tow-floats, hats, goggles etc)
20. All users must be registered NOWCA account holders and have valid up to date accounts.
21. No new to open water swimmers will not be allowed due to safety. Minimising the risks to our safety crew as well is paramount. his is subject to change as the weeks go on and rules begin to relax more. Please keep an eye on the facebook page for further information. This is subject to change
21a. No newly registered members will be allowed. Current members ONLY. This is subject to change as the weeks go on and rules begin to relax more. Please keep an eye on the facebook page for further information. This is subject to change.
21b. Under 15 year olds are currently not allowed. Only those who are competent and able to demonstarte ablity and proof ow experience will be allowed.
22. All booked swimmers will be required to submit an online disclaimer (regardless of whether they are current swimmers or not) to confirm they understand the risks associated with swimming in open water as per usual and the current risks relating to Covid-19 and the social distancing measures they are to adhere to at all times. Anyone disobeying rules will be asked to leave immediately.
23. Access to toilets, changing rooms, kitchen or clubhouse will be strictly out of bounds.
24. All high risk groups are discouraged from attending and will not be allowed in
25. Gate handles and locks will be disinfected upon arrival & departure .
26. Once booked you will not be refunded - regardless of circumstances.
27. If you do not have an up to date NOWCA account, then it is your own responsibility to ensure that it is. Any out of date accounts will not be accepted as your band will not work. You will be asked to leave straight away, no refunds given. Please get in touch if you require assistance.
28. If you require a replacement band as yours is lost/misplaced then we can provide a replacement at a cost of £8 - please advise PRIOR to your session so that a replacement can be made available. Payment for this must also be made in advance. No band means no swim, you will be asked to leave straight away, no refunds given.
These rules will be fluent and may change dependant on current circumstances.
REMEMBER - SOME WATER ACTIVITY IS BETTER THAN NONE - LETS KEEP IT GOING BY CO-OPERATING
NORMAL OPERATING PROCEDURES (NOP)
Procedures for conducting an open water training session are written down here. These will also act as guidelines for the person running the session. The measures outlined should be enforced at all sessions.
Listed below are a few guidelines that we have adopted. It is important that the guidelines below are checked to ensure that they are fit for purpose and that everyone agrees on the way club open water sessions are to be conducted. Further points may need to be added therefore this document is a constant ‘work in progress’.
OPEN WATER SWIMMING CODE OF CONDUCT
As a prerequisite to swimming in Netherton Reservoir (Operated under NOWCA Rules) at the designated times, you are required to read
and sign as agreement to abide by the strict safety measures detailed below:
1. I will not enter the water until all safety measures have been put in place and will abide by such safety measures at all times ensuring I swim within the designated route.
2. I am a competent swimmer capable of completing a 500 metres continuous swim, am a member of NOWCA and over the age of 14 years. (Also applicable to Guest Band users).
3. I shall ensure that I have paid the appropriate NOWCA membership fee and completed and returned my declaration including emergency contact details to the club safety officer before entering the water for the first time.
4. I will register my presence with the club safety officer/spotter/reception on entering and exiting the water, by adhering to the recording system currently used.
5. I shall exit the water when instructed to do so by the duty spotters (Klaxon, safety boat or red flag).
6. A brightly coloured swim hat is to be worn at all times whilst in the water,
7. If inexperienced in open-water swimming, I will agree to wear a TowFloat and/or I will stay in my allocated pair/group/allocated area during the whole of my time in the water as instructed by a member of the safety crew and be able to demonstrate competence before being allowed to complete a full course.
8. I will enter and exit the water at the specified place and stay within the designated swim route unless instructed otherwise by a marshal or the club safety officer.
9. In the event I get into difficulty during the swim session I shall roll on to my back and signal for rescue by raising either the left or right arm in the air.
10. I will provide the appropriate contact details in the event of emergency and agree these can be kept in the appropriate record files (NOWCA database) for subsequent swim seasons, unless I resign.
11. I will not enter into the space of the other water users, e.g. fishermen, cable wake.
12. I shall not swim or enter the water if feeling unwell.
13. I agree to take full responsibility for my belongings whilst within the grounds of Netherton Reservoir.
14. I shall ensure any of my party are under control whilst within 2 meters of the water’s edge (see 15).
15. I shall ensure children are kept away from the water’s edge or pontoon areas of Netherton Reservoir and must be appropriately supervised by a responsible adult at all times
16. I agree to respect and abide by the safety rules
17. I have read and understood the ‘code of conduct’ and Normal Operating Procedures which are available from one of the safety team members.
18. I will agree to any additional rules set by the Safety Officers/Site Manager/Spotters etc or as described within Social Media &/or on the NOWCA Website under Lake Directory; in addition to the above.
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN (EAP)
This document will outline the process and procedures to go through in the event of an accident or potentially dangerous changes in circumstances.
1. The nominated Safety Officer (eg Reception/Spotter) for the session is responsible for calling the emergency services should an accident occur.
2. All swimmers are to be made aware of the open-water swimming code of conduct.
3. If the weather becomes too dangerous to carry on (e.g. fog comes over/ or an electrical storm starts) each swimmer
will be notified by the safety officer when they make a complete circumference around the lake (back to the start). A long blast of the Klaxon will be sounded and/or a red flag waved by spotters in the event of a lightning storm when ALL swimmers must exit the lake immediately.
4. If a swimmer is spotted in difficulty the spotter will sound the klaxon/contact via radio and indicate the location of the individual.
5. On hearing the klaxon, swimmers and spotters who are closest to the individual will move to assist them if they are safe and able to do so. If near enough, the spotter will deploy the rescue float (taking care to hold onto the rope) and if the spotter in the boat can reach the swimmer they will support the individual in the water and assist them to the water’s edge (they will not attempt to pull the swimmer into the boat).
6. The nominated Safety Officer will, if required, notify the emergency services.
SITE RULES:
Before you sign up to NOWCA, please be aware that you must be able to swim at least 500m in a pool comfortably BEFORE trying open water swimming.
New swimmers are more than welcome to swim however you will be given a limited area close to the jetty until the safety crew are happy for you to carry on and swim the course. This could be spread over a few sessions. This is for your safety. Should the water temperature be cold then you will be given a time limit.
1. Do not use the Disabled Changing Facilities unless you need them - anyone found misusing may be asked to leave
2. Children MUST be accompanied by an adult at all times whether it is Lake side or inside the Clubhouse. If you wish to swim, you will not be able to enter the water untill appropriate adult supervision is obtained. The Lake Crew cannot be held responsible for their care.
3. Children must be kept under control and away from the waters edge
4. Children 8-14 years may swim with a full paying adult on a ratio of 1:1
5. Children 8-14 years must have/wear a NOWCA Safety Band at all times
6. Children 8-14 years must wear a Safety Tow Float
7. Adults new to open water swimming must also wear a Safety Tow Float
7a. Adults swimming Skins must wear a Safety Tow Float.
8. Every Swimmer must wear a brightly coloured Swim Hat
9. Every Swimmer MUST sign in & out of the water
10. Please do not ask for credit as refusal may offend
11. Only Crew Members are allowed to assist you with scanning in/out - DO NOT HELP YOURSELF
12. Where possible, please car share to reduce congestion on the carpark. Alternative street parking is available at Copse Road, DY2 0AL - ALL PARKING IS AT YOUR OWN RISK
13. All swimmers must sign a Disclaimer
14. The lake is run by dedicated volunteers - and at times we need a break or could possibly be racing. Any changes to lake opening times/days will be communicated via the Facebook Page - Netherton Open Water Swimming
15. FREE biscuits and hot drinks are available to every swimmer however any loose change will be appreciated to help restock.
16. Please remember the lake is run by dedicated volunteers and have your best interest at heart. Your safety is paramount and you must listen and obey the Lake Crew at all times.
17. Any act of aggression, violent behaviour, harassment, bribery etc towards Lake Crew or any swim member will not be tolerated.
18. Dogs are welcome on site but must be kept on a lead at all times.
You must also ensure that your NOWCA Account is up to date and your Band membership (currently £12 per year) is renewed. Renewals can be done on site but this will attract a £2 processing fee.