POLICIES

Health & Sickness Guidelines

Keeping our team healthy. Important health and safety protocols for our swimmers, coaches, and volunteers.

The Three Golden Rules

At AST, the health and wellbeing of every swimmer, coach and volunteer is our priority. If you are unsure, remember these three rules.

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.

Is it Contagious?

Stay at home.

If an illness can be passed on to others, please do not come to the pool.

Diarrhoea / Vomiting?

You MUST stay at home.

Swimmers must not swim until 48 hours after their last symptom has completely cleared.

Quick Sickness Guide: Can I Swim?

Our club policy 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	Cover with a waterproof plaster or verruca sock.
Shingles	✅ Yes	If any weeping blisters can be fully covered by a waterproof dressing.
Molluscum / Water Warts	✅ Yes	Cover all lesions with a waterproof plaster.
Impetigo	❌ No	When all sores have healed.
Fungal Infections (Ringworm, Athlete's Foot)	❌ No	24 hours after starting treatment, with the area covered.
Conjunctivitis	❌ No	Avoid swimming until it has cleared up.
Hand, Foot & Mouth	❌ No	When all blisters have fully healed.
Scarlet Fever	❌ No	24 hours after starting antibiotics 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.

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Poolside Hygiene: Our Team Commitment

Shower before swimming, use the toilet before training, wash hands with soap, cover cuts and recent piercings, do not share towels or bottles, and dry thoroughly after swimming.

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A Note on Vulnerable People

Chickenpox, shingles and some other illnesses can be more serious for pregnant people or anyone with reduced immunity. If a swimmer is diagnosed with a highly contagious condition, inform the club's Welfare Officer in confidence.

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