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Risk assessment

This risk assessment covers all activities operated by Hackney Anaconda across all venues. It must be read and understood by all coaches, session leaders, and volunteers before leading or assisting any club session. It should be read alongside each venue's Normal Operating Plan (NOP) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP).

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This document is maintained electronically and distributed via the club's Key Documents page.

Document Control

Version

3.0

Assessment Date

1 June 2026

Next Review

June 2027

Assessor

Harry Grubb (SSHSA)

Referenced guidance

HSE HSG179​

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Ofsted Voluntary Childcare Register Requirements

UK Anti-Doping Code

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RLSS NOP/EAP guidelines

Swim England Safe Supervision (Aug 2024)

Safeguarding & Welfare protocols

Incident Reporting

All injuries, accidents, or near-misses must be immediately logged in the facility accident book AND submitted to the club via the Health & Safety Incident Report Form available on the Key Documents page.​

Facility Alignment

The club's risk assessments automatically defer to the operating venue's Normal Operating Plan (NOP) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP). If an evacuation occurs (e.g. fire/bomb threat), registers must be taken at the designated assembly point.​

Allergic Reactions

Where medical declarations identify severe allergies (e.g. anaphylaxis), specific Allergy Action Plans provided by parents/guardians must be held poolside. Coaches must be briefed on the location of adrenaline auto-injectors (AAIs) and trained in their use.​​

Swimmer Wellbeing & Emotional Welfare

Coaches and session leaders must be alert to signs of emotional distress — including withdrawal, persistent anxiety, sudden behavioural changes, disordered eating, or indicators of bullying. Performance pressure must be managed age-appropriately, particularly in high-performance squads where selection, body composition, and competition results can affect mental health. Coaches must not use language or methods that shame, humiliate, or isolate a swimmer. Any concern about a swimmer's emotional welfare must be raised with the club Welfare Officer.

Safeguarding Ratios & Policies

Supervision ratios and child welfare standards must strictly adhere to the latest version of Swim England's Wavepower policy. Specific pool supervision limits must adhere to the latest Safe Supervision guidelines. Hardcoded numerical ratios are superseded by these living policies.

Mid-session ratio failure: if a coach or supervisor becomes unavailable during a session (illness, injury, emergency), ratios must be immediately reassessed. If Safe Supervision ratios are breached, swimmers must be removed from the water in a controlled manner until compliant ratios are restored, or the session must be cancelled. If more swimmers arrive than ratios permit, excess swimmers must not enter the water. A backup contact list of qualified coaches must be maintained for emergency cover.

Medical Declarations

Up-to-date medical requirements and emergency plans (e.g., epilepsy/seizure protocols, asthma) are submitted and housed within the club's SportsEngine Motion system. This ensures that accurate medical declarations are directly available to club personnel and coaches leading the sessions at all times. For specific guidance on managing medical conditions in a swimming environment including epilepsy, asthma, and diabetes coaches should refer to the Swim England Health & Wellbeing Hub.​

Dynamic Risk Assessment

All coaches and session leaders must conduct a brief on-the-spot dynamic risk assessment at the start of every session, checking for changed conditions (e.g. broken equipment, unusual pool conditions, unexpected staffing shortages) before swimmers enter the water.​

Operational protocols

Lone Working

No coach or volunteer should operate a poolside session alone without a second responsible adult or venue lifeguard present. Where unavoidable, a formal lone working protocol (check-in calls, panic alarm access) must be in place.​

Changing Room Supervision

âNo Lone Adult: No lone adult is permitted to enter or remain in a changing room occupied by children or young people at any time. Changing rooms are supervised to ensure children cannot leave unnoticed. Where a coach must check on a swimmer, a second adult must be informed and ideally present.​

Electrical Equipment Near Water

All poolside electrical equipment (PA systems, music speakers, timing devices, scoreboards) must be connected via RCD-protected sockets and positioned well away from the pool edge and wet zones. Equipment must hold a valid PAT certificate. Only authorised personnel may set up or adjust electrical equipment.​

Anti-Doping

The club supports UK Anti-Doping (UKAD) and World Aquatics anti-doping rules. Coaches must not recommend, condone, or facilitate the use of any prohibited substance or method. Swimmers competing at county level and above should be made aware of their obligations under the UKAD Clean Sport programme and the risk of inadvertent doping through medications or supplements.

Mobile Phones & Recording Devices in Changing Rooms

Swim England Wavepower (updated January 2024) imposes a total prohibition on all mobile phones and mobile devices in changing areas during any Swim England regulated activity. Club policy mirrors Wavepower in full:

  1. All devices must be stored in a bag or locker before entering any changing area.

  2. Prominent "Keep it in Your Locker" signage displayed at every changing room entrance.

  3. Any concern that an image or video may have been captured must be recorded as a safeguarding incident and referred to Swim England via the club Welfare Officer.

  4. Non-recording device use (e.g. an emergency call) is addressed via the Code of Conduct.

Exceptions: Genuine emergency calls; essential medical use (e.g. continuous glucose monitor) in a private cubicle.

Covert recording may constitute criminal offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019, and the Protection of Children Act 1978. The club's Code of Conduct, signed annually by all adult members, must reference this prohibition.​​

Poolside Photography & Video

The Wavepower device ban applies to changing rooms; poolside and spectator gallery photography is managed separately under the club's Photography Policy.

  1. During training sessions and lessons, photography or video recording from poolside or the viewing gallery is not permitted without prior approval from the session coach.

  2. At competitions and galas, the club may appoint an official photographer and/or operate a consent-based registration system; unregistered photography requires the event organiser's permission.

  3. Images or video must not be shared on social media or any public platform without the consent of the subjects' parents/guardians.

  4. Any concern about inappropriate or unauthorised photography must be reported immediately to the club Welfare Officer as a safeguarding concern.​

Session Cancellation & Venue Closure

If a venue closes at short notice or conditions (e.g. extreme weather, power failure, plant breakdown) prevent safe operation, the session lead must cancel the session and communicate this to parents/guardians via the club's established channels (SportsEngine Motion notifications, WhatsApp groups) as early as possible. If swimmers are already en route or on-site, coaches must remain at the venue until all swimmers have been collected or safely redirected.​

Risk ratings and controls

Filter by Affected

Homesickness & Wellbeing

Structured daily routine balancing training with social and recreational activities. Regular, scheduled communication with families permitted. Staff trained to recognise persistent homesickness (withdrawal, sleep disturbance, irritability).
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Training Camps

Pre-Travel Administration

Digital and hard-copy backups of all passports, visas, and insurance documents; originals stored in hotel safe when not required. Any training or competition outside Great Britain requires a valid Swim England International Permit obtained before travel.
Affected:
Everyone, Staff & Volunteers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Training Camps

Sun Exposure & Heat Illness

Training scheduled to avoid peak sun hours (10:00–16:00 where possible). Mandatory sunscreen, hats, and shaded rest areas. Frequent water/electrolyte breaks enforced — do not wait for swimmers to report thirst.
Affected:
Staff & Volunteers, Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Training Camps

Overtraining / Fatigue

Training volumes carefully structured to avoid overloading swimmers across multiple sessions per day. Adequate rest periods, recovery sessions, and free time scheduled into the camp programme.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Training Camps

Safeguarding on Residential Trips

Full compliance with Wavepower during all camp activities. Team managers must hold the appropriate Swim England Team Manager qualification (TM2 for residential). Signed Code of Conduct from every swimmer and staff member before departure.

Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Training Camps

Travel & Transit (road accidents, separation, delays)

Use of reputable, vetted transport providers (coach hire or group flights). Strict headcount manifests taken at every departure/arrival point. Buddy system or small-group reporting structure in place.
Affected:
Everyone
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Training Camps

Improper equipment use (Bands, weights)

Demonstration of technique prior to execution. Constant supervision. Broken resistance bands or faulty ergometers immediately discarded.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Land Training

Event First Aid Provision

For large hosted galas, a dedicated first aid point/qualified officer must be established centrally, preventing reliance solely on venue lifeguards.
Affected:
Spectators & Public, Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Trips and Competitions

Transport & Drop-off (External Trips)

Use of thoroughly vetted transport providers. Coaches maintain strict headcount manifests. Dark leisure centre car-parks require escort to vehicles in winter.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Trips and Competitions

Manual Handling / Setup

Heavy equipment (timing systems, speaker blocks, tables) lifted in pairs. Cables securely taped to the floor and kept away from wet zones.
Affected:
Staff & Volunteers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Trips and Competitions

Remote Emergency Extraction

The session EAP must explicitly include the What3Words or grid reference for ambulance access points on the shore.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Open Water Swimming

Sudden Depth Changes / Drop-offs

Swimmers briefed clearly on bottom topography before entering unstructured water to prevent non-swimmer panic.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Open Water Swimming

Loss of visibility (lost swimmer)

All swimmers must wear high-visibility neon caps and use tow-floats. Spotter on land maintaining headcount. "Buddy system" mandated for un-laned sessions.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Open Water Swimming

Hypothermia & Cold Water Shock

Wetsuits mandated if temperature drops below Swim England/FINA thresholds. Acclimatization warm-ups enforced. Time in water strictly limited based on core temperature markers.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Open Water Swimming

Blood Injury ("Blood Rule")

Any player who is bleeding must immediately leave the water. The wound must be cleaned, treated, and covered with a waterproof dressing before the player may return. Contaminated pool water/deck areas are treated per venue hygiene protocols.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Water Polo

Mouthguard Requirements

Players must wear a fitted mouthguard during high-impact drills and matches to prevent dental trauma.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Water Polo

Biomechanical / Overuse Injuries (shoulder/rotator cuff, knees)

Coaches enforce proper warm-ups, monitor throwing mechanics, and manage intensity to prevent 'eggbeater' or throwing strain.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Water Polo

Returning After Illness/Injury

Swimmers returning from extended illness or injury must inform the coach before the session and re-enter training at reduced intensity.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Disabled Swimmer Evacuation

Facility PEEPs (Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans) must be explicitly requested and understood for any disabled swimmer in the event of a fire/evacuation.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Reduced Visibility (Mist / Fogging)

Increase ventilation to clear mist; enhance lifeguard patrols and coach positioning; use underwater lighting if available.
Affected:
Staff & Volunteers, Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Cold Air Exposure

Keep swimmers active during lessons; avoid prolonged stationary periods outside the pool; wetsuit tops required where swimmers are visibly cold. Coaches monitor for shivering and reduced participation throughout. After exiting, swimmers must shower and dry immediately; minimise time poolside in wet swimwear; parents informed in advance to have towels and warm clothes ready.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Slips, Trips, and Falls

No running rules rigorously enforced. Equipment (kickboards, pull buoys) neatly stored on the boom, not the floor walkways. In cold-air conditions, condensation increases the slip risk significantly — frequency of floor squeegeeing must be increased and Wet Floor signage made prominent in changing areas and on pool surrounds.

Affected:
Spectators & Public, Staff & Volunteers, Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Pool Swimming

Entrapment (drains, inlets, ladder gaps)

Coaches visually check that all drain covers and grilles are secure and intact before the session. Any loose or missing covers result in immediate session cancellation. Defects reported to venue management immediately; staff must not attempt repair.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Pool Swimming

Overcrowding & Collisions

Strict capacity limits managed (e.g., 12 per 25m for Academy, 10 for 10-12s, 8 for 12-14s, 6 for 14+). Directional lane swimming enforced. Assistant coaches deployed on busier sessions to aid visual monitoring.

Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Drowning / Submersion

Swimmers are assessed in shallow water at first session. Safe Supervision protocols are enforced. When lifeguards are not present, an NRASTC/NPLQ qualified coach provides safety cover. Constant visual scanning maintained; no unsupervised early entry permitted.

Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Pool Swimming

Mobile Phones & Devices on Residential Camps

See Overarching Protocols. Additional camp-specific controls: (1) Camp Code of Conduct explicitly references the Wavepower total ban. (2) Devices stored before entering any communal changing or showering area. (3) Staff must not enter swimmers' dormitory rooms with a mobile device unless in a genuine emergency with a second adult present. (4) Any suspected breach treated as a safeguarding incident.
Affected:
Staff & Volunteers, Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Training Camps

Medical Access Abroad

Comprehensive travel insurance arranged covering athletic activity, emergency medical treatment, repatriation, and travel disruption. Location of nearest suitable hospital researched before departure. A staff member must always accompany any athlete to a medical facility.
Affected:
Everyone
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Training Camps

Food Safety / Dietary Needs

Detailed allergy and dietary requirement information collected in advance and communicated to catering providers. Food hygiene standards verified where self-catering.
Affected:
Everyone
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Training Camps

Unfamiliar Pool / Venue

The host venue's NOP, EAP, and own risk assessment must be obtained and reviewed by the lead coach before the first session. Pool depth, lane configuration, and emergency equipment locations confirmed on-site.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Training Camps

Accommodation & Nighttime Supervision

Same-sex, similar-age rooming enforced. Clear "lights out" policy with designated staff rooms for reporting issues. All staff DBS-checked. At least one staff member awake/on-call overnight.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Training Camps

Venue Suitability

Land training venues assessed for adequate space, flooring (non-slip), ventilation, and absence of trip hazards before the first session.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Land Training

Muscular strains and joint injuries

All sessions led by a coach holding a recognised S&C or land-training qualification. Mandatory comprehensive warm-up and cool-down. Exercises must be age appropriate (minimising heavy weights for pre-pubescents).
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Land Training

Changing Room Supervision & Mobile Devices

See Overarching Protocols. At hosted galas, stewards/marshals must be briefed to challenge any adult using a device near a changing area; the policy applies equally to visiting coaches, officials, and spectators.
Affected:
Spectators & Public, Staff & Volunteers, Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Trips and Competitions

Spectator Safety

Seating/viewing galleries assessed for capacity. Handrails maintained, walkways kept clear, and clear signage for emergency exits displayed.
Affected:
Spectators & Public
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Trips and Competitions

Overcrowding & Fire Evacuation

Ticket sales / entry lists capped strictly to the venue's balcony and poolside capacity limits. Marshalling areas staggered to prevent bottlenecks.
Affected:
Spectators & Public, Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Trips and Competitions

Vessel / Watercraft Collision

Swimming areas clearly demarcated with bright buoys. Swimmers instructed to give way to large motorized craft.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Open Water Swimming

Weather Events (Lightning / Fog)

Sessions immediately suspended at the first sign of lightning or if fog prevents line-of-sight to the furthest buoy.
Affected:
Staff & Volunteers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Open Water Swimming

Water Quality (Blue-Green Algae, Weil's Disease)

Sessions only run at verified venues with regular water quality testing. Session cancelled if algae present. Swimmers briefed to cover open cuts and shower immediately post-swim.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Open Water Swimming

Dehydration

Despite being in water, the high intensity of water polo causes significant fluid loss. Players must have water bottles poolside and must hydrate during breaks and substitutions.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Water Polo

Glare / Insufficient Lighting

Officials/Coaches specifically reposition depending on glare to ensure clear line-of-sight on all underwater tackles preventing unseen off-ball fouls.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Water Polo

Physical exhaustion / Drowning

Continuous monitoring by coaches. Unlimited substitutions permitted. Diving/pushing-off bottom is prohibited in shallow pools (minimum depth 1.8m recommended). Immediate cessation of play if a player displays signs of severe fatigue.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Water Polo

Impact & Facial Injuries

Nails and jewellery strictly checked and removed before matches/training. Players must wear approved protective caps with intact ear guards. Strict adherence to FINA/Swim England rules prohibiting underwater foul play. Any player suspected of concussion must be immediately removed from the water — they must not return that session. Graduated return-to-sport follows the Swim England Concussion Guidance ("if in doubt, sit them out"), requiring medical clearance before resuming full training. Under-18s require longer staged recovery periods.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Water Polo

Undisclosed Medical Events (e.g., cardiac issues)

Adult members required to update medical profiles annually via SportsEngine Motion. Members must seek medical clearance before resuming intensive training after a prolonged absence. Coaches maintain continuous observation for signs of extreme fatigue or chest pain.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Pool Swimming

Infectious Diseases

Basic hygiene protocols maintained (verruca socks recommended, adherence to facility and national health transmission guidelines).
Affected:
Staff & Volunteers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Respiratory Distress / Humidity

Ensure venue HVAC systems are functioning correctly to regulate humidity. Vulnerable swimmers must limit exertion and keep reliever inhalers poolside.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Pool Swimming

Water Chemistry / Plant Failure

If severe eye/respiratory irritation is detected across the group, the session must be immediately abandoned.
Affected:
Staff & Volunteers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Equipment Failure / Injury

Starting blocks checked for unsecured "wobbly" fittings or sharp edges prior to use. Heavy resistance equipment (bungee cords, drag parachutes) checked for wear and tear before every rep. Any wear or tear reported to facility management immediately.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Diving into Shallow Water

Diving from poolside is only permitted in water of sufficient depth as marked by the venue. Racing dives from blocks are restricted to swimmers trained in correct technique under direct coach supervision.
Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Low
Category:
Pool Swimming

Shallow Water Blackout

Hypoxic (breath control) work is heavily restricted and only utilised with top performance squads under direct 1:1 line-of-sight supervision by senior coaches.

Affected:
Swimmers
Residual risk:
Medium
Category:
Pool Swimming

Thank you to our supporters: 

Hackney Anaconda is a charitable incorporated organisation registered with Companies House (CE036291) and Charity Commission (1208409).

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