I started diving off of starting blocks when I was eight years old. I am now 51, and train at the Y, almost always alone, as there is no Masters program in the county where I live, or in any of the immediately adjacent counties. (There are several age group programs.) I want to work on my starts, but none of the Y's where I swim will let me use the blocks - saying that a national Y policy prohibits anyone from using the blocks unless a team/club coach is on the deck.
I have never heard of anyone suing a YMCA because of an accident on a starting block.
Yes, perhaps a coach would be valuable to me in this regard, but I'm not looking for a coach - I need and want a cooperative facility. The age groups' program schedules are not conducive to my schedule, and besides, the age group coaches already have enough on their hands during those times with lanes full of kids working their programs. I also am not excited about having to dodge those kids to do the work I need to do.
Anyone find a way to conquer this litigation-fear-induced insanity yet? Thank you.
Parents
Former Member
In response to the original post about diving in the YMCA in general swim sessions.
As a swim coach and teacher i have to do a "Risk Assesment" for all factors that may affect the safety of the people who are in my care, just as the Y is responsible for the safety of people using it's facility.
I would allow diving from the blocks IF:
The pool depth is greater than 6 feet ( 2 metres )
All pool users know that this is happening.
There is a clearly marked designated lane for this, closed off to other uses.
The Lane is clearly marked ONE WAY, you dive in and swim to other end and get out.
The swimmers in adjacent lanes who are nearest the ropes bordering on the diving lane swim AWAY, in the same direction, as the diver and are circle swimming in that lane. This is to avoid swimmers swimming head first into the diving zone.
There were two lifeguards, One to watch pool and one to watch the diving lane and the divers.
The diver has clearly demonstrated proficiency in diving, perhaps by doing a practice dive off the side (not the blocks), or is known to the lifeguards as being proficient.
Even with all of this there is still a risk and there are people who would see an empty lane and would swim into it just because they are stupid !
In response to the original post about diving in the YMCA in general swim sessions.
As a swim coach and teacher i have to do a "Risk Assesment" for all factors that may affect the safety of the people who are in my care, just as the Y is responsible for the safety of people using it's facility.
I would allow diving from the blocks IF:
The pool depth is greater than 6 feet ( 2 metres )
All pool users know that this is happening.
There is a clearly marked designated lane for this, closed off to other uses.
The Lane is clearly marked ONE WAY, you dive in and swim to other end and get out.
The swimmers in adjacent lanes who are nearest the ropes bordering on the diving lane swim AWAY, in the same direction, as the diver and are circle swimming in that lane. This is to avoid swimmers swimming head first into the diving zone.
There were two lifeguards, One to watch pool and one to watch the diving lane and the divers.
The diver has clearly demonstrated proficiency in diving, perhaps by doing a practice dive off the side (not the blocks), or is known to the lifeguards as being proficient.
Even with all of this there is still a risk and there are people who would see an empty lane and would swim into it just because they are stupid !
