Policies

Health & Safety General Policy Statement

Tranquillity Leisure & Spa recognises that it has responsibilities under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005, the Safety, Health & Welfare at Work (General Applications) Regulations 2007 to 2023 (as
amended) for the health, safety and welfare of employees, members, contractors, visitors and anyone else who could be affected by our work activities. We will assess the hazards and risks they face in the course of their work, taking action to minimise hazards and control risks to an acceptable, tolerable level.

Staff in managerial and supervisory roles are made aware of their responsibilities and required to take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety, health and welfare of our workforce, members. customers and
anyone else likely to be affected by our business.

We will meet our legal obligations by providing and maintaining a safe and healthy working environment so far as is reasonably practicable. This will be done by:

• Providing leadership and adequate control of identified health and safety risks.
• Consulting with staff on matters affecting health and safety at work.
• Providing and maintaining safe premises and equipment.
• Ensuring the safe handling and use of substances.
• Providing information, instruction, training where necessary for our workforce, taking account of any who
  do not have English as a first language.
• Ensuring that staff are competent to do their work and giving them appropriate training.
• Preventing accidents and cases of work-related ill health.
• Actively managing and supervising health and safety at work.
• Having access to competent advice.
• Aiming for continuous improvement in our health and safety performance and management through regular review and revision of this policy.
• Providing the resource, financial and other, required to make this policy and our health and safety arrangements effective.

We also recognise a duty to co-operate and work with other employers and their workers, when they come onto our premises to organise and run events or to work for us, to ensure the health and safety of everyone at work. Similarly, we must co-operate and work with other employers when we work at premises or sites under their control.

To help achieve our objectives and ensure staff recognise their duties under health and safety legislation whilst at work, we will also remind them of their duty to take reasonable care for themselves and anyone else who might be affected by their activities. These duties are explained on first employment, at induction, and also set out in an Employee Safety Handbook, provided to each member of staff. The handbook sets
out their duties and includes our specific health and safety rules.

Our policy, procedures and arrangements will be reviewed annually.

 

Child Admission Policy

• Children under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Pool rules must be followed at all times.
• Lifeguards and leisure club staff cannot be expected to replace the care and supervision of a parent.
• Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian in changing facilities at all times.
• Children 8 years and over should use changing rooms of same sex. We have a family changing room provided for families.

Junior swim tuition

• Children from 4 years and over can attend swim tuition.
• There is a swim instructor, swim assistant and a lifeguard on duty for swim tuition.
• All children must be handed over to their swimming teacher at the start of the lesson and be there to receive the child from the teacher at the end of the lesson.
• Parents/ Guardians must remain on the Leisure Club premises for the duration of the swimming lesson unless in an exceptional case Teacher or Receptionist has been made aware that they may have to go somewhere, but must be contactable at all times.
• Parents can supervise from pool deck or reception area.
• Children must be supervised by a parent/guardian in changing facilities at all times.
• Children 8 years and over should use changing rooms of same sex. We have a family changing room provided for families.
• In the case of Private Swimming Lessons the Parent/Guardian must stay on poolside or at leisure club reception during lesson.
• Photography or use of mobile phones, laptops, tables etc., are not permitted around the pool area or changing rooms.

Camps

• Children are grouped into age category.
• All groups are assigned group leaders who are on constant supervision while the children are within the facility.
• All children are supervised in the changing facility.
• Swim ability is examined off all children. All children must wear arm bands in main pool if they are not confident swimmers.
• There is a lifeguard on duty at all times.
• For younger group there is a leader in pool and another on pool deck at all times.

Pool Parties

• Children under the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
• Parent/guardian must supervise children in changing facilities.
• Family changing facility is available.
• Lifeguard is on duty at all times.
• A parent/guardian must be present in the water with the children at all times.
• Children who are not confident swimmers must wear arm bands in pool.

Child Safeguarding statement

Tranquillity Leisure and Spa is situated in The Raheen Woods Hotel Athenry. Users must be Members of Tranquillity, Hotel Guests, or as a guest with a member. Tranquillity Leisure consists of a 20 metre Swimming Pool with a Jacuzzi, Sauna, and Steam Room. It also has a gym which is available to users aged 16 years and older. The Pool is available to Children under 16 when accompanied by an adult. The Child aged 16 and 17 years is permitted to use the Jacuzzi, Sauna & Steam Room as well as using the swimming pool.

• We provide fitness classes
• Gym and pool access to members/ hotel guests
• Summer Camps
• Group kid’s classes
• Private swim instruction

Commitment to safeguard children from harm

• Tranquillity is committed to safeguarding children in our care and to provide safe environment in which they can play, learn and develop.

• Tranquillity believes that the welfare of the children attending our facilities is paramount. We are committed to the child-centre practice in all our work with children.

• We are committed to upholding the rights to every child and young person who attends our service, including the rights to be kept safe and protected from harm, listened to and heard.

• Our policy and procedure to safeguard children and young people reflect national policy and legislation and are underpinned by Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children, 2017; Child Safeguarding: A guide for Policy, Practice and Procedure, Tusla 2018 and the Children First Act 2015.

• Our policy declaration applies to all paid staff, members and students on work placement within our organisation. All committee board members, staff and students must sign and abide by the policies, procedures and guidance encompassed by this policy declaration and our child safeguarding policy and accompanying procedures.

• We will review our child safeguarding statement and accompanying policies and procedures every 2 years or sooner when necessary, due to service issues or changes in legislation or national policy

Risk Assessment

• In accordance with the Children First Act 2015, Tranquillity Leisure has carried out an assessment of any potential for harm to a child while attending our facility or participating in service activities. A written assessment setting out the areas of risk identified and the service procedures for managing those risks is summarised below.

Child Safeguarding Policies and Procedures

As required by the Children First Act, 2015, Children First National Guidance for Protection and Welfare of Children 2017 the following safeguarding policies/procedures/measures are in place

• Procedures to maintain a list of mandated persons under the Children First Act, 2015
• A Relevant Person has been appointed.
• A Designated Liaison Person and Deputy have been appointed.
• Child Protection and Welfare Reporting Procedures
• Confidentiality Policy
• Policy for Dealing with Allegations of Abuse or Neglect Against Employees
• Procedure for Managing Child Protection Records
• Recruitment Policy
• Garda Vetting Policy
• Code of Behaviour for Working with Children
• Induction Policy (which includes procedures to inform new staff about the Child Safeguarding Statement and accompanying safeguarding policies and procedures)
• All staff have completed the Tusla eLearning module – Introduction to Children First.

Implementation and Review

We recognise that implementation is an ongoing process. Our service is committed to the implementation of this Child Safeguarding Statement and the accompanying child safeguarding policies and procedures that support our intention to keep children safe from harm while availing of our service.

This Statement will be reviewed every 2 years or as soon as practicable after there has been a material change in any matter to which the statement refers.

This statement has been provided to all staff, volunteers and any other persons involved with the service. It is readily accessible to parents and guardians on request. A copy of this Statement will be made available to Tusla if requested.

Designated Liaison Person at Tranquility Leisure is:

Matthew Monaghan

Every organisation both public and private that is providing services for children or that is in regular contact with children should identify a Designated Liaison Person (DLP) to act as a liaison with outside agencies and a resource person to any staff member or volunteer who has child protection concerns.

The Designated Liaison Person will: Act as a liaison with outside agencies and as a resource person to any staff member or volunteer who has child protection concerns. Be responsible for ensuring that the standard reporting procedure is followed, so that suspected cases of child neglect or abuse are reported promptly to the Child and Family Agency Duty Social Worker.

In the event of an emergency where you think a child is in immediate danger and you cannot get in contact with the Child and Family Agency Duty Social Worker, you should contact An Garda Síochána.

Should ensure that they are knowledgeable about child protection and undertake any training considered necessary to keep themselves updated on new developments. As a DLP you may receive reports of suspected abuse or you may have concerns about a child’s safety and welfare. It is your responsibility: To ensure that you are fully conversant with your organisation’s duties to the protection and welfare of children.

 

Child Protection Policy Statement

 

In line with requirements under the Children First Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children (2017), and Tusla’s Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice; we in Tranquillity Leisure & Spa are committed to practice which protects children from harm.

Management, staff and volunteers/students in this service recognise that the welfare of children is paramount and our service with endeavour to safeguard children by:

• Having a reporting procedure to respond to concerns around children’s welfare and safety.
• Having a confidentiality statement.
• Have a code of behaviour for staff and volunteers/students.
• Having a safe recruitment procedure.
• Having a procedure to respond to accidents.
• Having a procedure to respond to complaints.
• Developing a staff allegations procedure and disciplinary procedure.

As part of the policy this service will:

• Appoint a designated person.
• Provide induction training around the groups’ child protection.
• Ensure that staff attend child protection training as appropriate.
• Provide supervision and support for staff and volunteers in contact with Children.
• Share information about the child protection policy and good practices with families and children.
• Review the groups child protection policy and practices on a regular basis

 

Data Protection Policy

 

The purpose of this document is to provide a policy statement regarding the Data Protection obligations of Tranquillity Leisure & Spa. This includes obligations in dealing with personal data, in order to ensure that this organisation complies with the requirements of the relevant Irish Legislation, namely The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) 2018. We identify ourselves as a Data Controller and a Data Processor and this policy applies to all Personal Data collected, processed and stored by Tranquillity Leisure & Spa in relation to its staff, Members, guests, and Service Providers. All Personal data will be collected, recorded and used fairly, stored safely and securely and not disclosed to any third party unlawfully.

As the lawful and correct treatment of personal information is critical to our successful operations and to maintaining confidence, Tranquillity Leisure & Spa is committed to:

• Protecting members personal details, records and assessment outcomes
• Keeping members and other individuals personal data up to date and confidential
• Maintaining personal data only for the time period required
• Releasing personal data only to authorised individuals/parties and not unless permission is given to do so
• Collecting accurate and relevant date only for specified lawful purposes
• Adhering to regulations and related procedures to ensure that all employees who have access to any personal data held by or on behalf of Tranquillity Leisure & Spa are fully aware of and abide by their duties under GDPR.
• Members are required to report any allegation in relation to the unlawful treatment of personal data via Tranquillity Leisure & Spa complaint procedure.

A complaint should be made in the event that members feel that records of their personal data have been:

• Lost
• Obtained through unlawful disclosure or unauthorised access
• Recorded inaccurately and/or in a misleading manner
• Provided to a third party without permission.

Where required, Tranquillity Leisure & Spa will take appropriate action/correction measures against unauthorised/unlawful processing, loss, destruction or damage to personal data. It is ultimately the responsibility of the manager to ensure that this policy is published and accessible to all personnel, learners and any relevant third parties. However, the quality coordinators (QCs) specific to each qualification are responsible for ensuring this information is fully understood by their qualification team and by the learners who commence courses/programmes in their areas.

 

General Code of Conduct for Facility users

• All users of the centre are requested to sign in at reception each time they visit the Centre.
• Pay attention to the depth signs in the swimming pool area.
• Always read the safety posters before using the Sauna, Steam Room and Jacuzzi.
• All children must be accompanied by an adult while in the Club.
• Swim hats are compulsory in the swimming pool.
• Obey the lifeguard’s instructions at all times.
• First time users to the gym are requested to complete a health questionnaire before exercising.
• Always shower and use the toilet before entering the Swimming Pool or Jacuzzi.
• Do not attempt to use any of the facilities if you have consumed food or alcohol within the previous 90 minute period.
• Children are not permitted in the gym, sauna, steam room or Jacuzzi.
• Children are not permitted to use after 7.30 p.m.

 

Code of Conduct for Swimming Pool

• Under 16’s are not permitted entry to the pool after 7:30pm every evening.
• Under 16’s are not allowed in jacuzzi, Sauna or Steam room.
• No mobile phones, cameras, laptops or any recording devices are allowed in the pool area, including Changing rooms, Sauna & Steam Room.
• Children under the age of 16 years must be supervised by parent or guardian aged 18 years or over at all times.
• Swim Hats must be worn in swimming pool.
• Shoes must be covered with shoe covers.
• Always shower and use the toilet facilities before entering the Swimming Pool or Jacuzzi.
• No diving; No running; No jumping into water.
• No food or glass allowed in the pool area. Water is permitted in water bottles.
• Respect must be given to the lifeguard on duty at all times.
• Respect to be given to other members while using facility.

 

Code of Conduct for Changing Rooms

• No mobile phones, cameras, laptops or any recording devices are allowed in the changing rooms.
• Children aged 8 years and over must use the appropriate changing rooms
• Children must be supervised at all times.
• Lockers are provided storing personal belongings; locks can be bought at Leisure Club Reception at a cost of €5. Management does not accept responsibility for lost or stolen items.
• All cosmetics must be removed before entering the pool.
• No glass is allowed in the changing rooms, make up, aftershave, perfume etc.
• Hair dye is prohibited in the changing rooms or shower area.
• Nappies & sanitary items must be placed in the appropriate bins provided.
• Please do not use toilets as a changing facility
• Please remember to shower before & after entering the Pool & Jacuzzi.

 

Code of Conduct for Gym

• Under 16’s are not permitted to use the gym, only in certain circumstances i.e for rehabilitation purposes or if otherwise advised by a medical practitioner (a medical letter must be provided).
• No mobile phones, cameras, laptops or any recording devices allowed in the gym.
• No food, chewing gum, hot drinks, or glass allowed in the gym with the exception of water in plastic water bottles.
• All users must complete a screening form before participating in exercise in the gym.
• Appropriate workout attire including trainers must be worn in the gym at all times. Strictly no sliders or bare feet permitted.
• If you become or feel unwell during your workout, please inform a fitness instructor or member of staff.
• If you are unsure how to use a piece of gym equipment, please ask a fitness instructor.
• All equipment must be wiped down with disinfectant and hand towels provided. All members are advised to have their own hand towel when using the gym. Hand towels can be purchased at Leisure Club Reception at a cost of €5.
• Please return all equipment to the correct dedicated place after use.

 

Code of Conduct for Aerobic Studio

• Under 16’s are not allowed in the Aerobic Studios or participate in classes.
• No mobile phones, cameras, laptops or any recording devices allowed in the studios.
• No food, chewing gum, hot drinks, or glass allowed in the studios with the exception of water in a water bottles.
• All users must complete a screening form before participating in exercise in the classes.
• Please be on time for your class, you may not enter once the class has started.
• Appropriate workout attire including trainers must be worn in the studio. Strictly no sliders or bare feet permitted.
• If you become or feel unwell during a class, please inform the fitness instructor.
• If you need to leave the class at any stage please do so without interfering with the class.
• Your own Water, personal towel, Pilates Mat (where appropriate) should be used in class.
• Please return all equipment to the correct dedicated place after use as instructed by fitness instructor.

Environmental Awareness Policy

Tranquillity Leisure and Spa recognise that we occupy a unique position in respect of care for the environment. Consequently we are committed to incorporating good environmental management and practice into our everyday activities. Tranquillity Leisure and Spa aims to minimise the environmental impact of our activities, to achieve continual environmental improvement, to prevent pollution, to encourage environmental awareness within our organisation. Tranquillity Leisure and Spa Focuses on the following:

• Waste reduction and responsible destruction practices
• Re-cycling of materials such as water bottles, newspapers & cardboard. Recycling & waste bins are located in changing rooms, reception & gym.
• Minimising consumption of energy and other natural resources
• Purchase products which have least impact on the environment.
• Maximise the use of e-technology to reduce paper usage throughout our Leisure facility. We send the majority of our paperwork via email. We essentially use our webpage, App or Facebook to promote any events or activities in our club. This keeps our costs down and benefits the environment.

Anti-Doping Policy

Sport Ireland Anti-Doping is the national anti-doping organisation of the State. Its functions include the implementation of guidelines, codes of practice, standards of good conduct, fair play and the elimination of doping in sport. As well as planning, implementing and evaluating education and information programmes.

Here at Tranquillity Leisure & Spa we forbid the use of prohibited substances or methods, a practice generally known as doping in sport. The rules regarding doping are the Irish Anti-Doping Rules as adopted by Sport Ireland. Full details of the Anti—Doping Rules are available on the Sport Ireland website.

Sports Foods and Supplements

Sports supplements are commonly used by gym users in the hope of maximising the benefits of participating in sport and exercise. Understandably people can be confused about the issues around sports supplements. It is important to remember that there are risks associated with supplement use.

There are no guarantees that any dietary supplements are safe. Before taking any dietary supplements, please assess the following;

1. The Need; seek advice from a medical practitioner or sports dietician.
2. The Risk: If you choose to take a supplement you should assess the associated risks and make an informed decision.

For more information regarding Anti-Doping rules; Prohibited Substances; Medication Checks; Doping Control Procedures & Additional Resources, please visit the Sport Ireland website at www.sportireland.ie/anti-doping

Customer Care Charter

The purpose of this charter is to provide a clear outline of our commitment to all our customers and how we address queries or issues that may arise. This charter sets out the standards of service our members and customers may expect from Tranquillity Leisure and Spa.

We acknowledge the important role our staff play in the operation of the leisure club and the delivery of high standards of customer service. We acknowledge the contribution input and views of the people who work with us. Our aim is to provide all our customers in a courteous, considerate and professional manner.

We aim to meet the needs of our customers by:

• Delivering the best possible service and providing information regarding products and services.
• Treating all customers fairly and with courtesy and respect.
• Maintain privacy and confidentiality where appropriate.
• Be open and honest in our dealings with you.

Staff:

• Staff will be easily identifiable in uniform
• Staff will listen to customer specific requirements/comments and ask appropriate questions.
• Staff will record details where necessary.
• Where possible, staff will deal with a customer query or issue and try to resolve the situation themselves to reach mutual satisfaction. If a mutual satisfaction is not reached, the issue will be passed onto the general manager who will deal with the issue directly.

Comments or complaints:

• Complaints can be made via our email tranquillityleisure@gmail.com. Complaints will be answered by the General Manager or Assistant Manager.
• Comments and complaints will be analysed by management to identify trends.

Cleanliness:

• Cleanliness of the leisure club is a high priority. A daily cleaning checklist is in place for the gym, where responsibility of its implementation lies with staff on duty. A deep clean is carried out every evening of the changing facilities.

 

Code of Conduct for Customers at Tranquillity Leisure Club:

Tranquillity Leisure & Spa aims to provide a high-quality service in a safe environment. In order to achieve this, we would ask customers that the following behaviour will not be accepted;

1. Disruptive behaviour which interferes with use and enjoyment of the facility by other users.
2. Harassment of staff or other users by use of abusive, insulting, racist, or threatening language.
3. Use of violence or threats towards staff or other members.
4. Malicious damage to or theft of property
5. The use of alcohol and/drugs is strictly prohibited
6. Public property being left unattended while using the facility.