Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre has scooped an Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) National Pool Safety Award following a glowing report from assessors.
The award is an initiative which provides a framework for promoting high standards of pool safety in the UK, and recognises good practice.
To achieve the award the Centre had to measure up to stringent guidelines on safety, lifeguards, the environment, pool supervision, pool activities, training, management, water treatment, heating, air circulation and use of chemicals. The National Pool Safety Award (NPSA) is a voluntary scheme, open to all swimming pools in the UK. Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre is only one of fewer than 100 in the UK to achieve the award.
Mark Crimmings, Operations Manager at Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have gained this prestigious safety award. Staff have worked really hard to achieve it and I know the award will be a benefit in the future for the continuous improvement in swimming pool safety in Merthyr. We wanted to show our visitors that we were going to that next level in customer service”.
Having seen details of the NPSA, it was identified as an award that would best fit Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre’s objective. While safety was obviously the primary focus, the award looked at everything a well-run facility should be doing, including; Risk assessments; Manual handling; COSHH sheets; training records; maintenance records (preventative and reactive), Pool Safety Operating Procedures; qualifications, cleaning, lifeguarding positions and water quality, to name but a few.
In addition to this award, in January 2010 ten automatic defibrillators (a device which aids immediate response) were installed in nine of Merthyr Tydfil’s Leisure facilities; over forty staff completed their three day first aid qualification that included the use of automatic defibrillators; and six members of staff became defibrillator user instructors, which will enable staff to have continuous on-the-job training.
Councillor Tony Rogers, portfolio member for Leisure, Culture and Environmental Services, said:
“ The award means that residents of Merthyr Tydfil and the surrounding areas can look forward to peace of mind and the knowledge that the customers swimming in the pool are being monitored by diligent and trustworthy staff, as well as being in a safe environment. It all adds up to best practice and clear evidence of commitment to continuous improvement of the facilities”.
For further information on Merthyr Tydfil Leisure Centre, telephone (01685) 727476 or visit www.merthyr.gov.uk
