Public swimming

The swimming pool and jacuzzi are in a private building attached to the main centre but with its own entrance. Access is flat and without steps.

The entrance leads into a large changing room area, which has:

• Non-slip flooring, hair dryers, lockers, toilets and a poolside wheelchair
• Private changing cubicles for individual use
• 2 large, fully accessible high-need wet rooms with overhead tracking and shower stretcher changing tables
• 6 shower cubicles with curtains with a small ledge/step to help drain the water away.

From the changing rooms, go through the doors to the main swimming pool and jacuzzi.

Both have steps and hoist facilities to enter the water.

One side of the pool is also raised from the surrounding walkway to allow direct ‘chair to pool’ transfers. The room is tiled and well-lit, with overhead and wall lighting, plus natural light.

The swimming pool is 5 meters wide, 12 meters long and 0.9 to 1.3 meters deep.

A selection of flotation devices can be provided along with games and balls.

Alongside the health and safety statement shown further down this page, you should know…

• Calvert Devon swimming pool does not have a lifeguard; you are responsible for your own safety and supervision.
• Non-residential visitors are allocated a one-hour time slot, which includes changing times before and after your swimming session.
• Swimmers will not be granted entry to the pool before their allocated time slot.
• ALL pool users, without exception, must sign in at Reception upon arrival. If you arrive early for your session, you will be asked to wait.
• Pool users are prohibited from letting other swimmers into the pool under any circumstances.
• Belongings should not be left in the pool area; they should be used in the lockers in the changing rooms, for which a returnable £1 coin is required.
• Please shower before entering the pool area.
• Outdoor footwear should not be worn in the pool area. Shoe covers are provided at the pool entrance for those who do not wish to remove their shoes.
• Food, drink and breakable objects must not be taken into the pool area.
• The pool must not be used while under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances or immediately after a meal.
• The pool entrance door must be shut after use, and changing rooms must be left clean and tidy.
• You must be well enough to swim. Anyone who has had diarrhoea in the last 14 days should not use the pool.
• The shower chair provided should be used to transport guests to the pool area. Changing beds must not be taken into the pool area; while using them, please ensure that the sides are up and that users are not left unattended.

In addition to the health and safety statement…

• There must not be more than 20 people in the pool area at any time
• Be alert and always ensure close supervision to prevent dangerous occurrences that could result in a serious incident
• You must ensure your group swims within their ability, and close supervision must be given to those with conditions such as epilepsy, diabetes, asthma and heart problems
• Anyone not complying with the supervision arrangements and rules must be reported to reception immediately
• Running, jumping, pushing, diving or other dangerous activities are prohibited
• For the safety of all swimmers, it is essential that sensible, responsible behaviour is demonstrated at all times and these pool rules are complied with
• Calvert Devon reserves the right to refuse entry or require users to immediately vacate the pool in the event of these rules not being followed

You are responsible for supervising your own pool sessions.

• Before using the swimming pool, you must read and understand the pool rules
• You must be familiar with the location of emergency alarms, rescue equipment, first aid kit and the action in the event of an emergency; if you are unsure, please ask a member of staff
• You must be familiar with the location of the fire exits and assembly points
• Any incidents or accidents must be reported to a member of the Calvert Devon staff
• Hoisting equipment and slings must only be operated by trained personnel due to the risk of serious injury if used incorrectly. Carers are responsible for ensuring that a ‘moving and handling’ risk assessment has been completed for all participants who require hoisting
• Calvert Devon staff are unable to operate the hoist on your behalf
• Care must be taken when moving around the pool area to avoid slips and trips on poolside hazards
• Safety equipment must only be used in an emergency
• For your own safety, do not use the pool and advise a member of staff if any of the following occur:
  • The pool is contaminated by blood, vomit or faeces
  • You observe broken glass or sharp objects
  • There is a lack of water clarity, or you cannot see the bottom of the pool
• In the event of a power cut, swimmers must exit the pool area immediately; emergency lighting will come on automatically
• In the event of a fire, evacuate the pool immediately and assemble at the fire assembly point
• If the fire alarm sounds and there is no immediate danger, prepare to evacuate the pool area and wait for further instructions from a member of the staff
• The fire escape on the side should remain closed at all times as this is an alarmed fire exit only
• The poolside fire exit can find fire blankets

In the event of an emergency or serious incident, push the emergency call point on the side to alert a member of staff who will immediately come to assist.

When this occurs, all swimmers must exit the water to a safe area, and the casualty’s head must be supported above the water.

• A maximum of 5 people are allowed in the jacuzzi at any one time
• Pregnant women, elderly persons and those suffering from heart disease, diabetes, high or low blood pressure or anyone using anti-coagulants, antihistamines, vasoconstrictors, vasodilators, stimulants, hypnotics or tranquilisers should not enter the spa without first seeking medical advice
• Children should not use the spa without supervision
• The spa must not be used under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances
• The spa must not be used immediately after a meal