Health & Sickness Guidelines: Keeping Our Team Healthy

At AST, the health and wellbeing of every swimmer, coach, and volunteer is our top priority. A healthy team is a happy and successful team!

To help us maintain a safe and hygienic environment for everyone, please follow these simple guidelines.

The Three Golden Rules

If you're ever unsure, just remember these three rules:

  1. Feeling Unwell? Rest at home. If a swimmer is too tired or unwell to safely complete a full session, they should rest and recover at home.

  2. Is it Contagious? Stay at home. If an illness can be passed on to others, please don't come to the pool.

  3. Diarrhoea or Vomiting? You MUST stay at home. This is the most important rule. Germs spread incredibly easily in a pool environment. Swimmers must not swim until 48 hours after their last symptom has completely cleared.

Quick Sickness Guide: Can I Swim?

Find the specific illness below to see our club's policy, which is based on official health advice.

Illness/Condition Can they swim? 🏊 When can they return?
Diarrhoea & Vomiting ❌ No 48 hours after the last symptom has cleared.
Cryptosporidium ❌ No 14 days after symptoms have completely stopped.
Chickenpox ❌ No When all spots have fully dried and scabbed over.
Coughs & Colds ✅ Yes If they feel well enough to complete the session.
Verrucas & Warts ✅ Yes The verruca/wart must be covered by a waterproof plaster or verruca sock.
Shingles ✅ Yes As long as any weeping blisters can be fully covered by a waterproof dressing.
Molluscum / Water Warts ✅ Yes All lesions must be covered with a waterproof plaster.
Impetigo ❌ No When all sores have healed.
Fungal Infections (Ringworm, Athlete's Foot) ❌ No You can return 24 hours after starting treatment, and the area must be covered.
Conjunctivitis (Pink-eye) ❌ No Pool water will irritate the eye. Avoid swimming until it has cleared up.
Hand, Foot & Mouth ❌ No When all blisters have fully healed (can take up to 20 days).
Scarlet Fever ❌ No 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment and when they feel well.
Head Lice ❌ No When all signs of lice and eggs have been treated and removed.
COVID-19 / Flu ❌ No When they feel better and no longer have a high temperature.
 

Poolside Hygiene: Our Team Commitment

We can all help minimise the spread of germs and keep our pool water clean.

  • Shower Before You Swim: A quick rinse under the shower before getting in removes sweat and dirt, which helps the chlorine work more effectively.

  • Use the Toilets: Please encourage swimmers to use the toilet before training and never to urinate in the pool.

  • Wash Your Hands: Always wash hands with soap after using the toilet.

  • Cover Wounds: All cuts, grazes, or recent piercings must be covered with a waterproof dressing.

  • Don't Share: Avoid sharing towels, floats, or water bottles.

  • Dry Thoroughly: Dry properly after swimming, paying special attention to ears and between toes.

A Note on Vulnerable People Some illnesses, like Chickenpox or Shingles, can be more serious for vulnerable individuals (e.g., pregnant women or those with reduced immunity). If your swimmer is diagnosed with a highly contagious condition, please inform the club's Welfare Officer in confidence.

When in doubt, always seek advice from a medical professional.