Introduction
We recognise that although we have been living with the Pandemic for 18 months now that it can still make people feel nervous or worried, especially now many of the restrictions have been lifted. We are still doing our utmost to ensure we are taking all the necessary precautions whilst trying to provide a sense of normalcy.
If you do have any concerns you can contact any of the following people, depending on the nature of your concern (best contact details available on the website);
- Club Covid Leads: Mike Fisher and Vicky Harrison
- Your Lead Coach or the Head Coaches; Steve Greenfield and Zoe Baker
- Welfare Officer: Paula Satchwell
Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, as of the 19 July most of the Covid restrictions have been removed. The latest government guidance can be found here for sports provision. Despite the removal of the restrictions we are very aware of the continuing need to manage risk and offer activities that are as safe as possible at this time.
General Guidance
It is still the case that you should not take part in any club-related activity if you need to self-isolate (for example, because you have tested positive or are asked to self-isolate by NHS Test and Trace). If you are displaying any COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste), you should also not attend, even if these symptoms are mild. It is also important to follow NHS guidance on what to do if you live with (click HERE), or have close contact with (click HERE), a positive case.
The legal requirement to wear a facemask has been removed but the government expects and recommends that people should continue to wear them in crowded and enclosed settings, to protect themselves and others. People who wish to wear a mask are encouraged to do so.
Whilst the Government has removed the requirement to maintain 1 metre + distance from people you do not live with from 19th July, we would still encourage our members and parents to continue to be careful and to respect other people’s space.
Before attending any sporting activities, all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators should self-assess for COVID-19 symptoms (a high temperature; a new, continuous cough; a loss of, or change to, their sense of smell or taste). If you have one or more of these symptoms (even if they are mild), you should not attend any sporting activity, and follow NHS guidance on testing and self-isolation.
Members should also consider their own health and circumstances (for example, if they are not yet double-vaccinated or they live with somebody vulnerable), so you can make an informed choice about whether you wish to participate.
As there are limited guidelines now, and squads are very different, some Lead Coaches may agree to take a slightly nuanced approach but the club would recommend;
Winchester Sport and Leisure Park
- Arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled session start time and congregate outside so that everyone can go through the gate together 5 minutes ahead of the start. There will no longer be Covid Officers used to help manage this arrangement.
- Changing rooms and showers are available to use before and after the session. Arriving beach ready is helpful to starting the session promptly but isn’t a requirement.
- If anyone arrives late then reception staff will let you through the gates on request, but there may be a wait in the queue to do so.
- The balcony is now available for people to watch the session.
Oaklands Community Pool
- Arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled session start time and head straight through to the changing rooms ahead of the start.
- Covid Officers will no longer be used at the site.
- Changing rooms and showers are available to use before and after the session. Arriving beach ready is helpful to starting the session promptly but isn’t a requirement.
- The viewing area is available for people to watch the session.
Kings School
- Arrive 5-10 minutes before the scheduled session start time and congregate outside so that we can create space inside the building whilst other users change and leave. Everyone can go through to poolside minutes ahead of the start. There will no longer be Covid Officers used to help manage this arrangement.
- For Kings we are still asking people to arrive beach ready, though changing rooms and showers are available to use after the session.
- Parents are still not allowed onto poolside at present.
- All the above rules will be revisited again ahead of the new school term starting in September and any changes will be communicated.
