About
Cottenham Swimming Pool is a volunteer-run outdoor swimming pool in the grounds of Cottenham Village College. It was first opened in 1967 and was refurbished with a major landfill tax grant in 2005.
The pool will remain open for 2010 and beyond only if a large amount of funding is made available within the next few months (as of November 2009).
The pool needs further refurbishment (replacement of the pool itself, plus some improvements to the changing rooms and filter system). The pool’s volunteer committee has been waiting for the results of a grant application for many months, but that grant is too small to cover the latest estimated costs (about 55 thousand pounds). Help with fundraising and your comments about the future of the pool are particularly welcome! See November 23rd Post about Refurbishment for more information.
Regulations
Children under 5 years old must have one-to-one supervision by an adult in the pool.
Children over 5 years old but under 8 years old must also be supervised by an adult in the pool but two of them may be supervised by one adult.
Babies must wear a swim nappy.
Non-swimmers and learners (e.g. using buoyancy aids) must stay within their depth. The pool is 3 feet deep at the shallow end and 5 feet deep at its deepest point.
No diving, jumping or acrobatics – the pool is not deep enough for these activities (it is under 1.5 metres deep) and injuries may result. Pool users will be asked to leave if they persist in behaviour with a high risk of injury to themselves or others.
No running in the pool area.
Entry to the pool must be by the steps only (the pool surround is a wall, i.e. it is not a ‘deck level’ pool, so there is a risk of falling off the wall onto concrete).
No glass or other sharp objects in the pool area – nonetheless, pool users are advised to wear footwear at all times except when in the water or on the pool surround close to the steps.
No smoking.
No snorkels – these carry a risk of drowning unless used under expert supervision or by experienced users.
Pool users may consume food on the grassy area by the pool but must not return to the pool after eating.
Please do not use cameras at the pool without getting permission in advance.
The lifeguard’s word is final: some situations carry increased risk and therefore require further restrictions.
This is not a complete list and other regulations apply – check with the lifeguard if in doubt. The regulations are based on national legal guidance that applies to all UK pools.