Health Club Safety Guidelines/Rules

We want you to have a great time here at Red House Farm Cottages and B&B Health Club. To ensure you have a safe stay with us, we have prepared these topics on safety, security, and courtesy.

Please read and follow the advice given. Should you have any queries or problems during your stay, please contact Tom or Sandra who will try to assist you. While we make every effort to ensure your wellbeing during your stay, please remember that you remain responsible for the safety of yourself and others in your party, especially children. Although you are on a holiday/short break, it is vital for you to know where your children are and supervise them at all times, particularly as there are 2 ponds and a swimming pool on the property.

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Under 16s are not allowed in any part of the Health Club facility unless they are under strict adult supervision. 

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The Health Club does not open before 8:00 a.m. and closes promptly at 8:00 p.m.

TOPICS

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  1. Welcome. Security and Emergencies

  2. What are the Health and Safety Constraints?

  3. Health Questionnaire

  4. The Pool Opening Hours and Swim Time Schedule

  5. Your Guide to Swimming Safely

  6. Your Guide to Pool Hygiene/Showering

  7. Your Guide to Using the Gym Safely

  8. Your Guide to Using the Steam Room Safely

  9. Your Guide to Using the Lounge Area

  10. Your Guide to Using the Changing Rooms

  11. Phones and Photograph

1. Welcome to Red House Health Club

The swimming pool, steam room, fitness gym and leisure area are in a new building completed in June 2017, designed and built to meet the regulations in Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools published by HSE (Health and Safety Commission) and Sport England.
We have tried to provide a facility that meets all the health and safety regulations, while providing enjoyment, comfort and ease of use by ourselves (Tom & Sandra Spashett) and our friends and guests. ​ To maintain this we all need to work together to keep the pool water, floors, equipment and ourselves as clean as possible. A big part of this is for all to shower before using the pool, remove outdoor footwear upon coming into the facility and wear clean swimwear, not leisure shorts worn outdoors..
Everyone having a good shower before entering the pool means we can swim more comfortably in water that has a balanced level of chemicals, water that doesn't smell overly of chlorine and water that does not sting the eyes.
See information not to be missed (for Tom's blood pressure!) on the importance of showering before bathing, please see the sections on showering in the Club Guidelines, especially Swimming Pool Policy and Swimming Pool Policy PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) Let's all work together to keep this facility clean and safe.
The Pool is 18 metres long, 1.2 metres deep throughout and 2 lanes wide. The water temperature is set to 28-29 degrees C, which is the recommended temperature for swimming. Young children and the older/aged may find this uncomfortable. ​ Opening Hours are 8:00am to 8:00pm. There will be certain times when 1 lane may be reserved for lap swimming. During these times, we may have a booking system. We are experimenting at present when these times will be. There may be certain times when children are allowed and times when they are not allowed. Up to now we have been able to be flexible with the schedule and not require a strict booking system. The Rules and Guidelines are based on and taken largely from The Rules of The Park Club in Acton, London and Centre Parcs´ Website Guides. We intend to review the Guidelines and Scheduling/Opening hours on a regular basis, to best suit everyone's preferred usage times (but also to pander to Sandra's fussiness--she's a stickler for rules and will repeat herself a lot to get the point across). SECURITY

  • Please do not leave your personal belongings unattended or unsecured. Your personal belongings are your own responsibility during your stay with us. Please lock your car and cottage when you are away from them. We have never had a problem, but it is important to be sensible and keep up the good record.
  • Keep all doors closed and locked when using or leaving the Health Club premises.
  • When using the pool, DO NOT OPEN THE BIG DOORS PLEASE.
  • We must keep the pool locked at all times to prevent unauthorised use by children.
  • The pool water and surrounds are a controlled climate and opening these doors will completely alter the carefully balanced system, not to mention, the system will then try to heat and/or dehumidify Glaisdale.
​​ EMERGENCY INFORMATION ​ If you require an ambulance, please dial 999, and please let us know so we can help you. We have also fitted 2 HELP buttons in the pool area-- one on either side. Please take note of the location of these when you enter the pool area. We have a NO SMOKING policy inside the Health Club facility. However, you may smoke anywhere outside and we will provide you with an ashtray if you want to relax in one of the garden sitting-out areas. Otherwise, please dispose of your cigarette ends responsibly. If a fire starts or if a smoke alarm rings, please go out the door nearest to you. DOCTOR ​ If you need to see a doctor during your stay, we have a local surgery at Egton, 01947 895356. We are happy to help you make an appointment. The nearest Minor Injury unit is at Whitby Hospital, as is the nearest chemist. Again, please see us if you need medical care.
* * * * WHEN YOU ARRIVE, we will give you a short tour and induction of how to use the facilities. We hope you will take time to read our Rules and feel part of the process for keeping these facilities clean and comfortable for the safety, enjoyment and comfort of all of us. Many thanks Tom & Sandra Spashett



2. What Are the Health and Safety Constraints?

As much as we want you to enjoy yourself, doing anything and everything you please, your health is paramount. To protect your well-being, activities such as swimming, using the gym equipment and using the steam room have certain health and safety constraints and risks, so we have prepared these Guidelines and Health Questionnaire so that you can check whether these activities are suitable for you and your party and, if you choose to do so, that you will adhere to safe practices so that the experience will be relaxing and enjoyable, and above all safe for you and others.
I realise that I (Sandra) may sound a bit fierce, but these Guidelines (or Rules or whatever you want to call them) are for your best interest and ultimately for your well-being, good health, relaxation and joy.
The Health Questionnaire is not there to alarm you, but so that if you do have any of the conditions/situations queried, you will discuss with your doctor the suitability of the activity to your personal condition/situation.

  • We require that each person in the party complete and sign the Health Questionnaire. For under 16s, parents or guardians may need to fill in the form and must sign (or co-sign) the questionnaire.
  • Please, please do not go yourself or let your children enter the water if you or they are not well or not alert.
  • Guests are advised not to consume alcohol or a heavy meal prior to using the pool.
  • Please note: The facilities are not suitable for the infirm or for those with limited mobility.



3. Health Questionnaire

Circle answers. If you don't know the answer to any question, please say Don't Know Under16/Over16

  1. Do you have any heart condition? Yes/No
  2. Have you ever had chest pains brought on by physical exercise? Yes/No
  3. Have you suffered from chest pains in the last month? Yes/No
  4. Do you have known high or low blood pressure?Yes/No
  5. Do you have known high cholesterol?Yes/No
  6. Have you ever suffered a major illness or had major surgery?Yes/No
  7. Are you currently being treated for a bone, joint , muscle problem that restricts you?Yes/No
  8. Do you suffer from diabetes, asthma, epilepsy or any condition we need to be
    aware of?Yes/No
  9. Are you pregnant?Yes/No
  10. Are you currently suffering from any illnesses or injuries not mentioned above?Yes/NoDo you suffer from breathlessness when at rest or after slight exercise?Yes/No
  11. Do you suffer from breathlessness when at rest or after slight exercise?Yes/No
  12. Do you ever lose consciousness or lose balance due to chronic dizziness?Yes/No
  13. Are you unaccustomed to regular exercise?Yes/No
  14. Do you suffer from any allergies?Yes/No
  15. Have any of your immediate family (parents or siblings) had a heart attack/stroke/
    cardiovascular disease?Yes/No
  16. Have you ever taken part in any prescribed programmes?Yes/No
  17. Can you swim?Yes/No
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ ___I agree that all the information I have given is accurate to the best of my knowledge, and I declare that to the best of my knowledge, I and my children (under 16s staying at Red House with me) are safe to use the facilities at Red House Health Club, and I am responsible for the safety and behaviour of myself and my children( under 16s when staying at Red House with me). ___I have read and agree to the Red House Health Club Safety Guidelines/Rules . Name and Address__________________________________________________________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Signature______________________________Date_______________Tel:________________ Signature of Adult if under 16________________________________________________ IF YOU HAVE ANSWERED YES TO QUESTIONS 1 - 16, we recommend that you discuss whether you should use the facilities with your GP before using the facilities. 18. Emergency contact details Name_____________________________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________________
Post Code________________
Tel: Home________________Tel : Work_____________
Relationship with contact_______________________________________________________ ********************************************************* Please add any other relevant information. ____________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Download your questionnaire.



4.The Pool Opening Hours and Swim Time Schedule

Opening Hours are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. Closing Days

  • Christmas Eve from 12:00 noon and all day Christmas Day.*
  • New Year's Eve All Day and New Year's Day, all day*
*So far we have been able to be more flexible for Christmas and New Year
  • We reserve the right to add other closed days as necessary.
​​ Health & Safety
  • We reserve the right to close the pool any time that Health and Safety measures necessitate a full closure of the pool.
  • We also reserve the right to restrict or prohibit the use of the pool, gym and/or the steam room or any of the facilities to anyone misbehaving or not following the rules in such a way as to endanger others or damage the facilities.
So far we have not had to impose a strict schedule. Guests have preferred to be flexible with other users, so that they, too, could be flexible with times. We do, however, keep to the 8:00 a.m. opening to 8:00 p.m. closing. ​ Here is a possible schedule as pdf file. WE DO NOT USE THIS SCHEDULE, ONLY 8:00-8:00 ​



5. Your Guide to Swimming Safely

PLEASE NOTE THESE BASICS MUST READ ​

  • NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY
  • POOL DEPTH IS 1.2 METERS THROUGHOUT
  • SWIMMERS AND USERS OF POOL AREA SHOULD LOOK AROUND AND FAMILIARISE THEMSELVES WITH THE LOCATION OF THE SAFETY EQUIPMENT AND THE 2 HELP ALARM BUTTONS (one on each side of pool)
  1. NO LONE SWIMMING
  2. NO DIVING
  3. NO RUNNING, JUMPING AROUND PERIMETER OF POOL
  4. NO UNAUTHORISED USE
  5. NO SWIMMING WITHOUT A THOROUGH SHOWER BEFORE EACH ENTERING OF THE WATER.
  6. NO GUESTS ALLOWED
  7. NO FOOD OR DRINK ALLOWED IN THE POOL AREA. NO FOOD ALLOWED ANYWHERE IN BUILDING.
  8. NO OUTDOOR SHOES IN ANY AREA OF THE BUILDING.
  9. POOL IS HEATED TO 28-29 degrees C, which is the recommended temperature for swimming. Young children and the older/aged user may find this uncomfortable
SWIMMING POOL POLICY DETAILS Specifically Regarding CHILDREN'S SAFETY ​
  • Children of nappy wearing age are not allowed in the pool.
  • As the pool is 1.2m deep, it is vital that a child who is not comfortable standing on the bottom of the pool and having his/her head comfortably out of the water,* under no circumstances, should be in pool alone.
  • All children under the age of 11 or if the child cannot stand on the bottom of the pool with his/her head comfortably out of the water must be under DIRECT supervision of a parent. For the avoidance of doubt, this means that a parent must be IN THE WATER WITH THE CHILD. *Child's head should be well above the 'Check Your Height' line showing 1.2 meter line of water depth.
  • The direct supervision of a parent must be at a ratio of 1:1 children in the above case, namely one parent supervising no more than 1 child. For the avoidance of doubt, for those members/guests with more than one child under the age of 11 or not yet tall enough to meet the above requirement, another parent must be in the water with the second child or the children must be swapped round with one parent, one child in the water and the other parent supervising the other child who is not in the water.
  • Parents are asked to keep their children's behaviour within reasonable bounds and be considerate of other pool users.
  • Parents please adhere to the guidelines under SHOWERING and WHEN NOT TO SWIM.



6. Your Guide to Pool Hygiene and Showering ​

FOR THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF ALL, Members and Guests this is a MUST READ The following is taken from SWIMMING POOL WATER: TREATMENT AND QUALITY STANDARDS FOR POOLS AND SPAS, published by the POOL WATER TREATMENT ADVISORY GROUP (PWTAG)

  • SHOWERING and POOL HYGIENE
  • Swimmers need to understand the importance of pre-swim hygiene. It helps provide more comfortable water.
  • Pre-swim showering does remove significant amounts of dirt and bacteria that otherwise end up in the pool. Up to two-thirds of the sweat products, and one-third of the bacteria, are removed.
  • Swimmers should be educated to use the toilets before showering and bathing and to have a thorough soap and water shower before each entering of the water.
  • If pre-swim showering were the norm, pool water would be cleaner, easier to disinfect with fewer chemicals, have fewer irritant by-products and thus be more pleasant to swim in.
  • Swimmers are to wear appropriate clean swimwear, not leisure shorts that are worn outside which bring dirt and bacteria into pool area.
​​ WHEN NOT TO SWIM A swimming pool is not very different from any other public place. Just as people might avoid work, school or public transport when they are not well--for their own sake as much as for others--so there are circumstances when swimming pools should be avoided.
  • Nobody suffering from diarrhoea should swim. That message is crucial; it must be clearly delivered and never compromised. Attention to ill children is particularly important. Gastro-intestinal bacteria and viruses are killed by pool disinfectant. With the protozoa Cryptosporidium, even after diarrhoea has stopped, chlorine-resistant infective particles can be passed for up to 14 days. The risk of contamination will be less, but people should not swim. Solid stools, once removed, are not a problem.
  • People should not go in pools if they have open wounds, severe eczema or any infectious skin complaint.
  • Colds, flu and other infectious illnesses are a sufficient reason not to swim.
  • People whose illnesses or treatment makes them susceptible to infection, or affected badly by it, should take medical advice before swimming.
  • Towels should not be shared because of the risk of transfer of skin and other infections.
  • People should not swim if they are affected by drink or drugs.

  • Parents should think twice about taking infants under the age of

  • six months to pools. The air may irritate their lungs. (Children of nappy wearing age are not allowed in the pool at Red House Health Club.)

  • Parents should make sure that children go to the toilet and then shower before swimming.
  • Everyone would be doing the pool a favour if they showered--preferably nude, and making sure heads, armpits, genitals, backsides and feet are clean--before swimming.
  • Children shouldn't swim on a full stomach--not because of cramp (no connection), but because they may swallow water and be sick.



7. Your Guide to Using the Gym Safely

  • All users of the gym/fitness room are required to have instruction by staff or owners before using any of the equipment.
  • Instructions for each machine are in the Information Folder provided.
  • Please do not move, remove or alter connections and pre-settings on any of the main or auxiliary devices.
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  1. Appropriate sports attire, especially suitable clean indoor footwear is to be worn at all times. Bare or stocking feet are not recommended on the gym equipment.
  2. For general hygiene and courtesy to all users, please ensure that your workout gear is clean.
  3. Please wipe off equipment and mats after use. Please use antibacterial wipes provided.
  4. When performing multiple sets on machinery, allow other users to use the apparatus whilst resting between sets.
  5. All guests must have a prebooked appointment with gym staff before using equipment the first time.
  6. Please do not chew gum while you are working out.
  7. Please do not bring glass containers into the gym, pool area or steam room. Use of plastic bottles is encouraged. Food is not allowed in any areas of the building.
  8. No under 16s are permitted to use the gym equipment without parental supervision.
  9. No under 12s are permitted to use the gym equipment.
****Although all the fitness machines have their own exercise consoles, they are also capable of adding apps via your iPhone or android device. Below is a list of the fitness equipment that we have, and we recommend that to get even greater training benefit and enjoyment from each machine, that you go online before you arrive at Red House and download any apps that you think you might want to use (to save you time while you are here) and also check whether you need any special adaptors. For example, for the treadmill and cross trainer to use the Run Social app users must bring their own genuine Apple lightning-to-iPod dock cable to connect to their iPhone. http://www.concept2.co.uk/service/software/other-apps



8. Your Guide to Using the Steam Room Safely

Members and Guests Are asked to comply with the following Rules when using the steam room.

  • You must have instruction before using the steam room the first time.
  • Guests under the age of 16 are NOT permitted to use the steam room.
  • All users are to shower before each use of the steam room.
  • Please do not open the door unnecessarily or leave the door open. If you get too hot, please come out. Leaving the door open will waste energy and could damage the structure of the surrounding area with the steam/excess moisture.
  • For your safety and to be considerate of others who may want to use the steam room, please limit your stay in the steam room to 30 minute sessions.
Use of the steam room is not recommended in the following cases:
  • Soon after a moderate or heavy meal.
  • Within the first month or the last three months of pregnancy.
  • If suffering from circulatory disorders such as Angina, Heart Disease, or High Blood Pressure
The principal benefit of the steam room is relaxation. The deep warmth and feeling of lassitude combined with one or more showers and rest periods should give the user a pleasant, mellow feeling. The heat also creates ideal conditions for skin toning and cleansing. The effect allows the skin pores to open and close to extreme, flushing out impurities and leaving the skin thoroughly relaxed. The chief fallacy surrounding these facilities is that they promote weight loss. The only weight loss experienced will be that of fluids. These will subsequently be replaced when a drink is taken. STEAM HUMIDITY up to 100%



9. Your Guide to Using the Lounge Area ​

FOR THE SAFETY AND COMFORT OF ALL, please read and comply with the following Rules/Guidelines when using the LOUNGE AREA

  • No outdoor shoes.
  • Please be courteous to other users by not having the music or TV too loud.
  • Clean up after yourself when getting drinks or using this area to relax.
  • No food please--not in this area, not in the steam room, not in the changing rooms, not in the gym area, not in the pool area. Only drinks in plastic bottles /cans are allowed (no drinks in the pool area--fresh water available in drinking fountain in pool area).
  • Do not come into the Lounge area with any wet towels, wet clothes or dripping bodies.
  • Please respect the privacy of guests using the steam room and changing rooms while in Lounge area.
PLEASE NOTE: On the big screen, sport takes precedent--sport chosen by Tom!



10. Your Guide to Using the Changing Rooms

Please respect and comply with the following Rules when using the changing rooms

  • Please shower before each use of the pool and steam room.
  • Please respect the privacy of fellow users of the changing rooms, pool, steam room and gym.
  • Do not use hair dye in the changing rooms as it causes staining.
  • Out of consideration of others, please refrain from shaving, nail clipping and tooth brushing in the showers or poolside facilities.
  • Swimming costumes, towels or magazines should not be left in the pool or steam room.
  • Do not leave any valuables in the changing rooms. Preferably do not bring any valuables with you.
  • For reasons of privacy and security, and due to video-capable telephones being commonplace, mobile phones may not be used in the changing rooms, poolside or steam room. Phones may remain turned on while in the Club, but calls may not be made or received in the changing rooms, poolside or steam room, except in cases of emergency, of course.



11. Phones and Photography

For reasons of privacy and security, and due to video-capable telephones being commonplace, mobile phones may not be used in the changing rooms, poolside or steam room. Phones may remain turned on while in the Club, and used for apps on the fitness machines, but calls may not be made or received in the changing rooms, poolside or steam room, unless, of course, in emergency situations. Photography (still, digital or video) is not permitted in any changing areas nor in the steam room, nor poolside, unless only you and close members of your family are swimming and you want to take a few family photos of the family members swimming.