Avena Leisure Pool Guidelines 2025

At Avena Leisure, the safety and well-being of all members and guests, especially children, are our highest priorities. By enrolling in swimming lessons or using our pool facilities, all members and guardians agree to adhere to the following guidelines. Non-compliance may result in removal from the facility or termination of membership.

 

1. Swimming Lesson Terms & Conditions

• Participation in swimming lessons does not guarantee water competency. Swimming carries inherent risks, which participants acknowledge upon enrolment.
• Parents/guardians must adhere to all Avena Leisure policies to ensure a safe and positive experience for everyone.
• If a swim lesson is cancelled by Avena Leisure, members will be notified via email or text. A credit will be applied to their account. Refunds or credits for missed lessons are only available with a valid doctor’s certificate submitted to swimming@www.thefitnesshabit.com.

 

2. Payment & Cancellation Policy For Swim Lessons.

Group Lessons:

• Full payment is required in advance to secure a child’s place.
• Non-payment within five (5) days before the swim term starts will result in removal from the program. 
• Lesson cancellations must be submitted in writing to swimming@www.thefitnesshabit.com by the 15th of the month.

Private 1:1 Lessons:

• Accounts must remain in credit to retain a private lesson slot.
• A minimum of three (3) consecutive lessons must be booked.
• Full payment is required at the time of booking.
• Cancellations made with at least 12 hours’ notice receive a 50% credit.
• Cancellations made less than 12 hours in advance are non-refundable.

 

3. Pool Safety Policy

• Lifeguards may not always be on duty; therefore, full responsibility for child supervision rests with the parent/guardian at all times.
• A parent/guardian MUST supervise a maximum of two (2) children, who must remain within arm’s reach at all times.
• Non-swimmers must wear armbands or approved flotation devices and use the children's pool area.
• Parents/guardians are not permitted on the pool deck during lessons.

 

4. Poolside Conduct & Hygiene Rules

• Children (16 years or younger)must always be accompanied by a responsible adult while on the premises.
• Children under 3 years must wear swim nappies when in the pool. 
• Photography, video recording, and mobile phone use are prohibited poolside and dressing room area.
• For the health and safety of all members, please refrain from using the pool if you have a cough, are feeling unwell, or have any open cuts or wounds.
• Eating, drinking, and bringing buggies onto the pool area are not permitted.
• Children must not enter the pool if they have had diarrhoea in the past seven (7) days.
• Swim caps must be worn at all times.
• Pool temperature is maintained at 28°C with a depth of 1.35M; appropriate swimwear is required.

5. Restricted Facilities

• The Sauna, Steam Room, Ice Bath, and Jacuzzi are strictly for members aged 18+.
• Submerging one’s head in the Jacuzzi is prohibited.
• The use of heated facilities while under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, or sedatives is prohibited.

 

6. Swimming Pool Regulations

• Showering before entering the pool, sauna, or Jacuzzi is mandatory.
• Running, jumping, diving, and rough play are strictly prohibited at all times.
• Only Avena Leisure-approved floats and inflatables are allowed in the pool. 
• Only pool toys provided by Avena Leisure are allowed, strictly no footballs or any throwing objects are allowed in the pool.
• Lane swimming direction signage must be followed.
• Long hair must be tied up or covered with a swim cap.
• The pool may be reserved for specific activities; members must adhere to posted notices - Pool Disruptions, these can be found on the TVs and general posters throughout the club.
• Pool time may be limited to 40 minutes during peak hours.

7. Compliance & Enforcement

Failure to comply with poolside safety rules may result in:

• Immediate removal from the facility.
• Temporary or permanent membership suspension.
• Legal liability for injury or damages caused by non-compliance.

 

8. Swimming Lessons

• Lessons must be booked in advance.
• Active club membership is required for participation.
• Private lessons are 1:1 only.
• Group Swim Lessons are available Tuesdays and Saturdays, contact Avena Swim School for more details.
• Lessons last 30-40 minutes.
• Full payment is required for booking.
• Cancellations must be made at least 24 hours in advance to avoid full charge (Private lessons only - group lessons are term only therefore we do not credit lessons).
• No-shows are non-refundable.
• Parents must remain in the designated waiting area during lessons.

 

9. Children’s Safety & Supervision

• Children under 16 must always be under direct adult supervision unless participating in an organized children’s program.
• Only parents, legal guardians, or registered caregivers may accompany children (members only club).
• Management reserves the right to request the removal of an unwell or distressed child.
• Parents are fully responsible for all their children in the pool, that is outside lessons

• Management reserves the right to request the removal of a parent with more than 2 children in the pool.
• Children under 6 may use either changing room but must remain in designated family areas.
• Children under 18 are prohibited from using the Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and spa facilities.

10. Pool Operating Hours

Pool Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 6:00 AM–10:00 PM
• Saturday 6:00 AM – 7:00PM
• Sunday & Bank Holidays: 8:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Children’s swimming hours: 10:30 AM–6:30 PM (Weekdays), Saturday: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM Sunday & Bank Holidays: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, subject to pool disruptions. 

Additional Pool Rules:

• Pool doors to restricted areas must remain closed at all times.
• The Jacuzzi operates on a 15-minute cycle.
• Ice Bath temperature is 6 degrees 
• Sauna temperature is 87 degrees 
• Steam Room temperature is 47 degrees
• Shoe covers must be worn around the pool.
• Flip-flops are recommended for pool and Jacuzzi use.

11. Child Protection & Safety

Avena Leisure is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. We adhere to the National Quality Standard (NQS) and the Children First guidelines. All staff members are Garda-vetted before engaging in any children's activities.

A designated liaison officer is available to address concerns regarding child safety and welfare. Any suspicions of child abuse will be handled in compliance with our child protection policies.

Designated Liaison Officer:

Eve Maguire Email: swimming@www.thefitnesshabit.com

Health & Safety Disclaimer for Spa Facilities

For your safety, all users of the sauna, steam room, ice bath, and Jacuzzi must be in good health and free from any medical conditions that may be affected by extreme temperatures. Individuals with heart conditions, high or low blood pressure, circulatory disorders, respiratory issues, diabetes, or any other underlying health concerns should consult a medical professional before use.

Use of these facilities is strictly prohibited for individuals under the age of 18 years, under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medication that may cause drowsiness or impair judgment. Pregnant individuals are advised to seek medical advice before using any heated or cold therapy facilities.

Avena Leisure assumes no liability for adverse health effects resulting from the use of spa facilities. By entering, you acknowledge and accept full responsibility for your well-being and agree to use the facilities at your own risk.

This disclaimer is in accordance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and Swimming Pool & Spa Safety Guidelines (Ireland).

By entering Avena Leisure, members and guests agree to abide by these policies, ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment for all.