SwimWay Autumn Term 2018 Team H&S Training

Another year, another Autumn Term!  Nearing the end of September and starting to wonder where the time is going? An opportunity to look back at all the good work that has been done in a short amount of time!

On Sunday 9th September, the SwimWay team met up for its termly staff meeting.  An opportunity to discuss ideas, issues and run the ever-important health and safety course.

SwimWay MD Dan Pastor and Head of Swimming Tamsin Watt took the staff through operational matters in one group. In the second group, our H&S Consultant Dave Perry ran through the company Health and Safety practices.

Dan and Tamsin’s meeting focused on a few important factors to discuss with the instructors:

Life-Saving Skills

Tamsin spoke in depth about the importance of life-saving skills in the SwimWay methodology.  How incorporating these in every lesson does not need to be a chore, or take over the whole class.  Children learn from having fun. Like most exercises, life-saving skills can be done in a fun and informative way.  Tamsin has since added more of these exercises to the SwimWay instructor training videos. Our coaches have regular access to these videos to help them improve their teaching skills.

Standard Operational Responsibilities

Dan ran through each instructor’s duties and day to day tasks when in the employ of SwimWay. This tied in many of the health and safety points that Dave was discussing too, ensuring a smooth and successful summer term ahead.

Assessments & SwimWay Methodology

Tamsin then ran a SwimWay programme question and answer session. We like to do everything we can to ensure that our students are correctly assessed.  Our CoursePro bookings system allows our instructors to continuously assess the children throughout the term. We then award them for their hard work with a certificate at the end.  It is incredibly important for our instructors to assess the children conservatively, and correctly.  Any over or under-estimation of a child’s level can result in mismatches in 1:2 lessons.  This is something on which we work very hard to avoid.

Company Future & Expansion

An exciting possible future expansion of SwimWay Swimming School? Yes please! Dan likes to keep things under his belt, but hint at possibilities in the meanwhile.  So in his fashion, we will leave this note here, and not say anything further except… WATCH THIS SPACE!

Personal Admin & Invoicing

Then our finance manager, Cheryl Harvey, had her moment in the limelight!  She took our instructors through a very important part of their job – getting paid!  Being able to track and manage your finances is of utmost importance. Cheryl gave a helpful presentation for to ensure the team follows the correct procedures when invoicing for their work.

Dave refreshed everyone on important health and safety procedures and practices that have been put together for the team.

Repeating these with our staff every single term ensures there is no hesitation when there is an incident.  We work extremely hard to make sure our instructors are on the ball, and ready for any eventuality.

Procedures & Practices On Site

Ensuring facilities are set up and broken down safely and securely before the lessons begin, and after they end.  Knowing the site fully, and being aware of surroundings and potential hazards.  Studying the most recent NOP and EOP for each location.  Always making sure the first aid kit is adequately stocked, and emergency contact information is correctly displayed.

Medical Details For Students

SwimWay uses CoursePro software for its bookings system.  This allows our Account Managers to input any pertinent medical information for the instructors to access.  Instructors should always be aware any medical needs to ensure a safe and protected environment for all.

Practices Before, During & After Incidents

Based on past experiences, Dave took the instructors through all the best practices for incidents.  In a question and answer scenario, Dave ensured each instructor would be able to deal with any on-site incidents.

CPR Training

Dave finished off the session with CPR training.  This is something that you can never practice too much. It can mean the difference between life and death in some situations.  We value the safety of each one of our students and take all aspects of this training extremely seriously.

Team Bonding

Once again, the team finished off the evening with a drink at the local.  It is always important for everyone to take the time to mingle. This creates a friendly and sociable environment for the company. It is sometimes tricky to get together as a team. Our instructors and office team operate in so many different locations.  These staff meetings allow for everyone to touch base and maintain relationships.

Here’s to a successful Autumn Term ahead!