Rules & Regulations

In and around the swimming pools:

• All children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult in the water (at arm’s length) at all times. No more than two under 8s to each adult.
• Weak and non-swimmers must stay in the shallow end with an adult and not go past the point marked on poolside. We highly recommend weak and non-swimmers wear approved buoyancy devices.
• No lane/edge crawling (weak and non-swimmers using a lane or the wall to make their way into the deeper area of the pool).
• Appropriate swimwear must be worn and babies must wear swim nappies.
• No T-shirts, mermaid fins or other articles of clothing that may restrict movement (exceptions will be made for those with a medical condition or whose religious beliefs require them to cover more of their body).
• Weak and non-swimmers, or anyone dependent on a floatation device, can go beyond the shallow end (as marked on poolside).
• No diving from anywhere other than the deep end (as indicated).
• No backward diving from the poolside.
• No hanging on the lane ropes.
• No bombing; No ducking; No somersaults; No going on shoulders; No gymnastics; No acrobatics.
• No running and diving or running and jumping.
• Coaching by any individual not approved by management is strictly prohibited.
• No boisterous behaviour; No swearing; No bullying; No pushing or throwing others into the pool; No ‘playing dead’.
• No petting.
• No eating, drinking or chewing gum in the pool.
• No snorkels or masks (competitive swimmers may use a training snorkel at the discretion of the management/lifeguard when lane swimming).
• No underwater swimming or hyperventilation
• Flippers in lane swimming are ONLY ALLOWED AT QUIET TIMES (Flippers/fins and hand paddles can only be used with the permission of the lifeguard during lane swimming sessions; No flippers/fins in the general swim area.)

Lane Swimming Etiquette:

Swim in the right direction

• Every lane will have a board at each end indicating whether or not you should be swimming in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction.
• Make sure you stick to this, as it makes it easier for both the swimmers and lifeguards.

Let faster swimmers past

• If there’s a faster swimmer behind you, then it’s really important you let them past. Not only is it less than polite to keep faster swimmers behind you, but it can cause a tailback behind you, clogging up the lane for other swimmers.
• If you want to let swimmer's past, wait until you reach the end of the lane, pull to the side and let all the faster swimmers behind past before continuing to swim.

How to let slower swimmers know you want to pass

• If you’re being held up by a slightly slower swimmer in front of you, then the commonly accepted thing to do is to give their feet a little tap.
• Remember, not all swimmers will be able to sense your presence, and may not even feel a tap, so be patient.
• If they’re following this guide, they’ll pull aside at the end of the lane and let you past.

Stay out of the way if you’re resting

• If you need to take a rest after swimming a few lengths, we completely understand. Swimming is hard work and it’s important you don’t push yourself too hard.
• When you do rest, however, it’s important you stay out of the way of those swimmers that are continuing.
• So, stop at the end of the lane and move as far to the side of the lane as possible to make sure you don’t get in the way.

Within Hampton Pool grounds:

• Do not bring any glass or breakable containers on site.
• No photography without the permission of the manager.
• No smoking, including e-cigarettes, anywhere on site.
• No playing of amplified music or making noise that the management deem inappropriate.
• Anyone under the influence of alcohol or drugs are not allowed to use the facility.

Weak and non-swimmers must stay in the shallow end with an adult and not go past the point marked on poolside. We highly recommend weak and non-swimmers wear approved buoyancy devices.