Parent on Duty (PoD) Duties

Person on Duty (formerly Parent on Duty) is a mandatory requirement of Swim Ireland.

  • A parent/guardian must be present (poolside) for all swimming sessions where there are swimmers under 18 years in the pool. 

  • This critical requirement is designed to protect our swimmers and coaches, and needs to be strictly adhered to at all times.

  • The PoD must be over 18 years of age.

  • A PoD deck duty rota will be issued monthly - please take note of your scheduled assignment.

  • It is the PoD’s responsibility to fulfil their duty as per the deck duty rota OR to find a suitable replacement cover.

  • WhatsApp groups are available for this purpose.

Beginning of the session:

  • The PoD should arrive at least 10mins prior to the session start time so that they are on duty prior to any swimmers accessing the deck. 

  • A session cannot proceed without the PoD. 

  • The coach must be able to rely on the PoD being present and able, especially with some sessions taking place at more vulnerable times, e.g. early morning or late evening.

  • The PoD should make themselves known to the coach before the session begins.

  • They may be asked to help and support the coach in getting the pool ready for the session

  • A record will be taken of deck duty attendance for all sessions by the coach, noting details in the deck duty book.

  • The PoD must make sure the Attendance File is completed, with any issues noted in the comment box on the sheet, and they are required to sign with the coach to confirm details.

  • The PoD should have a full view and hearing of the pool area.  (When in Churchfield the parent needs to sit on deck between the main pool and the children’s pool, not by the window or the viewing balcony areas).

  • The PoD should not interfere with the session, unless they feel a child is in imminent danger. Any concerns they have should be brought to the Club Children's Officer (CCO), any other issues reported to the Club Secretary.

  • The PoD should take note of any child that leaves the water (going to the toilet), how long they may gone for, and make sure they return safely.

  • The PoD should take note of any problems that occur and discuss immediate concerns with the coach on duty, whilst referring any child-related issues to the CCO and all other issues to the Club Secretary.

  • Only the PoD, lifeguard & coaches may be on deck at any session (PoD on viewing gallery when possible – not on deck).

  • All parents should ensure they are present 10 minutes before the end of a session to collect their swimmers. 

  • The PoD must remain on-site for at least 10 minutes after the session has finished, by which time all children must have been collected.  

  • No child should wait in the car park.They must remain in the reception area until they are collected.

Changing Rooms:

  • All children should be made aware that they can talk to the CCO at any time if any issues arise.

  • The PoD should ensure all children have left the pool before they can leave the deck.

  • Adults/PoD must only enter the changing rooms in pairs of the appropriate gender. 

  • No adult should be alone with a child.

  • Since Churchfield, Bishopstown, Brookfield & Mayfield are public/members pools, there may be members of the public/non-Dolphin SC members in the changing room with children. If you notice any unusual behaviour or a child expresses a concern you should notify the coaches and complex duty staff immediately

Concerns and contacts:

Where any concerns may arise during a session or club activity, all due care should be exercised to the young person and should be communicated with the designated person within the club, in confidence and in accordance with Swim Ireland and Child Welfare best practices.

In an emergency situation, the safety and well-being of the child must be considered above all else, but all reasonable attempts to meet the stated best practice guidelines must be undertaken.

Email for Child Welfare Concerns: cco@dolphinsc.ie

DSC CCO: Jane Kirrane & Conor Crowley (see noticeboard) 

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