Poolside etiquette

Navigating our pool rules for safe, calm swimming

Guidance and rules to be followed across all Duck N Dive venues. We partner closely with every pool, and part of that agreement is that we all uphold the expectations set by venue operators so their health and safety protocols are never compromised.

Thank you for supporting our coaches, lifeguards, and venue teams so every swimmer enjoys a calm, focused atmosphere.

Parents supporting a children's swimming lesson from poolside

Setting the tone

Working together keeps lessons running smoothly.

Our swim school can only remain operational with the support of our venues and their operators. Every family agrees to follow the guidance set out here so that staffing plans, insurance policies, and safeguarding standards remain fully in place.

The rules below apply to every Duck N Dive venue and help us manage busy poolside spaces while keeping swimmers focused from the moment they arrive.

Why these rules matter

  • They protect the health and safety protocols agreed with each venue partner.
  • They ensure younger swimmers step onto poolside feeling calm, prepared, and supervised.
  • They keep insurance, hygiene, and safeguarding responsibilities watertight for every session.

If you ever need clarification, please speak to the on-duty Duck N Dive lead or contact us below.

Poolside expectations

Pool rules for families of our happiest swimmers

Please share these expectations with anyone escorting your swimmer so every session stays calm, consistent, and joyful.

1

Limit poolside supervisors

Only one supervising adult per swimmer should be on poolside. Additional guests are asked to wait in reception or lounge areas, and anyone entering poolside must wear the disposable overshoes provided.

2

Use the designated changing rooms

All swimmers must change before and after lessons in the allocated changing rooms; changing on poolside is not permitted under venue safeguarding policies.

3

Shower and move safely

Ensure every swimmer showers before entering the pool to protect water quality, and remind children to walk carefully as floors remain slippery when wet.

4

Sign in and bring towels

Report to the Duck N Dive lead as soon as you arrive, have your registration number recorded where required, and bring your own towels for every session.

5

Arrive no more than five minutes early

To keep poolside clear, arrive dressed for the lesson no earlier than five minutes before your slot. If you are early, please remain in reception until it is time to head poolside.

6

Remain seated until invited in

Children must stay seated, remain supervised, and stay out of the pool until their coach invites them to enter. Insurance only covers swimmers during their scheduled lesson.

7

Respect spa-only areas

At the Mercure venue the Jacuzzi, sauna, and steam room are reserved exclusively for hotel members and guests. Duck N Dive swimmers and families may not use these facilities.

8

Leave the water promptly

Once the lesson ends, swimmers should exit the pool immediately, collect their belongings, and return to their supervising adult so the next class can begin on time.

9

Attend only when well

Please ensure swimmers are fit to participate and avoid meals within an hour of the lesson so we can prevent sickness and pool closures.

10

Keep refreshments water-only

Only still water in plastic bottles is permitted on poolside. Food, hot drinks, and all glass containers must remain in the viewing areas.

11

No photography or filming

Photography, filming, and wearable recording devices are not permitted anywhere on poolside to protect every swimmer’s privacy.

Need clarification? Please speak with our on-site lead coach, and thank you for making sure grandparents, carers, and any other guests understand these expectations.

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