To ensure a smooth start back into lessons this September, we have listed a few important reminders about our changing room etiquette, footwear policy, swimwear and hats and a few other bits and pieces to be aware of.
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Changing Room Etiquette
Please do not leave bags or clothing in cubicles—use lockers so others can change comfortably. -
Footwear Policy
To maintain our high cleanliness standards please do the following:
Remove outdoor shoes before entering changing rooms.
Use bare feet, indoor-only footwear, or reusable overshoes.
New shoe storage cupboards are arriving soon outside the changing rooms. -
No Buggies Poolside
For hygiene and safety, buggies must stay in designated areas under the stairs or in the recess as you enter the gallery on the first-floor. A lift is available. Baby carriers or car seats are welcome poolside. If you require any help please do not hesitate to contact a member of staff. -
Swimwear Guidelines
Well-fitted costumes make swimming easier:
Girls/Females: one-piece swimsuits or specific swimming modesty swimwear
Boys/Males: trunks/jammers (not board shorts) -
Jewellery
Please remove/hold onto your child’s jewellery for safety reasons. -
Arriving On Time
Please arrive no more than 5 minutes before class.Too many people on poolside can be distracting for teachers and swimmers.
All under 8's must be supervised and handed to the teacher directly.
Adults; please try and arrive promptly for your class as your lesson will include a warm up which it's important you take part in. -
Practice your Swimming
Adult swim lessons; please remember subject to the pool timetable, you are welcome to remain in the casual area of the pool or come in prior to the start of your lesson, to practice what you have been taught. The lifeguards or swim team will be happy to lend you equipment such as kick boards or noodles to make this easier. -
Swim Hats
Hats are colour-coded by stage and help keep your child safe and easily identified. Please ensure they wear them each week—they’re provided free at each stage. We provide ‘Hattie’ our hat eating penguin poolside. Please recycle your old hats here. -
Phones & Photos
To comply with safeguarding rules:
No phones or recording devices poolside.
Please watch from the gallery once your child is settled in. -
Progress & Patience
Learning through fun and play is key to progress. Early assessments may move quickly, but mastering the final skills takes time. Our on-site Swim Team are available most lesson days—just ask at reception if you have questions.
Adult swim lessons; please remember everyone progresses at different rates and there’s no expected time that we can predict it will take you to learn to swim a length or perfect a stroke. A lot depends on your starting point and whether that’s one from which you are terrified of water and can’t put your face in, or whether you are happy in water where you can stand, and are comfortable being splashed, but just not yet mastered how to move with your feet off the floor.
Our teachers are extremely patient and are used to teaching all abilities so please trust the process. However if you do have any concerns or just questions about the programme we have a dedicated team of three, all with swimming and teaching backgrounds, happy to talk to you.
Please just ask for a member of the Swim Team at reception or email us at hsv.swimminglessons@herts.ac.uk -
Prompt Collection
Please collect your child promptly after lessons. When your child passes a stage you will need to select their new class and collect their badge and certificate from reception.