Appendix 1 - Minimum Health Criteria

Purpose

To outline the minimum health requirements for those employed or contracted as swimming and water safety teachers and instructors (or leaders) of aquatic programs.

Criteria

Vision

Swimming and Water Safety Teachers rely greatly on vision when teaching and supervising. As a result it is vital that Swimming and Water Safety Teachers have normal 20/20 vision.

If a swimming and water safety teacher has, or becomes aware that he/she does not have 20/20 vision, then the swimming and water safety teacher must take measures to facilitate his/her vision, such as the wearing of the appropriate corrective lenses.

Hearing

Hearing plays a vital role in swimming and water safety teaching, particularly in communication.

Swimming and water safety teachers who have impaired hearing should take measures to facilitate their hearing such as the appropriate hearing aid.

Swimming and water safety teachers who are hearing impaired should ensure, in consultation with their management, that the appropriate procedures are in place to ensure adequate supervision of pool users and communication with staff, particularly in an emergency situation.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a common condition affecting about 1 in every 200 of the population. It is characterized by recurring muscular seizures with a loss of consciousness.

A seizure occurring in, or even near the water, may result in drowning unless rescue is affected very promptly. Epilepsy does not preclude a person from being a swimming and water safety teacher, however there must be guidelines to ensure safety.

Persons suffering from epilepsy are eligible to participate in swimming and water safety teacher activity provided they have the approval of their medical attendant who is fully aware of the nature and duties of a swimming and water safety teacher.

The responsibility for a person’s management of their epilepsy at all times rests with that person and the medical attendant concerned.

Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus is a common disorder of body metabolism that can occur at any age. It is controlled by a combination of diet, exercise and perhaps medication.

In general, Diabetes should not preclude a person from any of the activities of a swimming and water safety teacher

Diabetics, who require insulin treatment, can only participate in teaching activity if they have the approval of their medical attendant who is fully aware of the nature of a swimming and water safety teacher

The responsibility for a person’s management of their diabetes at all times rests with that person and the medical attendant concerned.

Asthma

Bronchial asthma is a common condition within the community and may affect any age group. Asthma is a variable condition and it is recognised that a swimming and water safety teacher with asthma may be fully fit at some times and not fit for duty at other times.

Persons with acute asthma are eligible to participate in teaching activity provided they have the approval of their medical attendant who is fully aware of the nature of a swimming and water safety teacher.

The responsibility for a person’s management of their asthma at all times rests with that person and the medical attendant concerned.

Pregnancy

It is recognised that a pregnant a swimming and water safety teacher may be fully fit for duty at some times and not fit for duty at other times. On becoming aware of a pregnancy, pregnant a swimming and water safety teacher should consult with, and make their medical attendant fully aware of the nature of a swimming and water safety teacher before continuing work.

It is recognised that pregnancy may preclude a swimming and water safety teacher from fulfilling only a part of their duties for periods of time. In cases such as this, the swimming and water safety teacher should consult with facility management about being able to alter the duties they are expected to carry out.

Immunizations

A swimming and water safety teacher may come into contact with blood and other body fluids during the course of their duties. These body fluids may transmit infectious diseases such as Hepatitis and Influenza, amongst others.

It is recommended that swimming and water safety teacher keep their immunizations up to date as recommended by their medical attendant to minimize the chance of becoming infected.

The responsibility for a person’s management of their immunization levels at all times rests with that person and the medical attendant concerned.