Protocol – Swimming / Entering and Exiting the Pool Safely

Supporting a client in a swimming pool requires careful planning and execution to prioritise the client’s dignity, safety, and comfort. The support worker should ensure the client’s privacy, maintain a comfortable and clean environment, and be prepared for potential challenges and the client’s preference for specific changing procedures. Please check care plan for an individual swimming risk assessment which may identify specific requirements.

When taking a client Swimming/Hydrotherapy

The support worker may need to support the client during the changing process depending on the individual’s needs:

• Plan for entry and exit from the pool, ensuring appropriate assistance is available, especially for those with mobility issues.
• Explain the changing process to the client in a calm and reassuring manner, addressing any concerns or anxieties they may have.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure or prolonged periods of vulnerability during the changing process.
• Support worker to ensure they have their own swimwear on prior to supporting a client to get changed. Support worker to wear a dressing gown once changed into their swimwear while offering support to the client.
• Never leave the client on their own unless this has been agreed and appropriate risk assessment are in place.
• Support worker to provide the right level of support to the client to assist with changing into appropriate swimwear, please place a towel over the client if transferring from a wheelchair or changing bed.

Exiting the pool

• Explain the changing process again to the client in a calm and reassuring manner, addressing any concerns or anxieties they may have.
• Avoid unnecessary exposure or prolonged periods of vulnerability during the changing process.
• Place a towel over or around the client, to keep them warm and comfortable while gathering other belongings.
• Support worker to wear a dressing gown while supporting the client to dry and get changed into clothing to ensure they are comfortable while providing support.
• Support (if required) to dry the client thoroughly. Ensure the client is completely dry before dressing to prevent chills and discomfort.
• The support worker can then get changed into their own clothing while another staff member waits with the client. Never leave the client on their own unless this has been agreed and appropriate risk assessment is in place.