Lightning Policy
1. PURPOSE
1.1. The purpose of this Lightning Policy is to establish clear safety protocols during electrical-storm activity and to ensure that all swimmers, staff, and visitors at Splash Co (Pty) Ltd (“Splash Co”) are protected from lightning-related risk.
1.2. This policy applies to all aquatic and land-based training conducted at Splash Co’s premises, 375 Vale Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg.
2. SCOPE AND APPLICATION
2.1. This policy applies to:
(a) All Splash Co Members, Students, visitors, instructors, staff and contractors; and
(b) All swimming lessons, aquatic sessions, water-aerobics, scuba training and related activities.
2.2. This policy forms an integral part of the Splash Co Terms, Conditions and Indemnity Agreement.
3. DEFINITIONS
(a) “Lightning Detection Radius” means a distance of ten (10) kilometres within which lightning or thunder may be observed, heard or detected using reliable tracking tools.
(b) “Management” means the authorised representatives of Splash Co responsible for safety decisions.
4. POLICY STATEMENT
4.1. Splash Co prioritises the immediate safety of all persons on the premises.
4.2. Swimming lessons shall be suspended without delay whenever lightning or thunder is observed or detected within a 10 km radius.
4.3. No individual may enter or remain in the pool until the area is declared safe by Management or the Head Coach.
4.4. Suspension and resumption decisions rest solely with Splash Co.
5. PROCEDURES
5.1 Detection and Immediate Action
(a) Upon the first indication of lightning or thunder, instructors shall instruct all swimmers to exit the water calmly.
(b) Swimmers will be relocated to designated safe indoor areas.
(c) Staff will switch off pool-deck electrical equipment where safe to do so.
5.2 Waiting Period and Resumption of Lessons
(a) Aquatic activities may resume only after 30 consecutive minutes have passed without visible lightning or audible thunder within the 10 km radius.
(b) Management shall make the final determination based on real-time weather monitoring.
5.3 Communication with Members
(a) Members may be notified of delays or suspensions via WhatsApp, in-person communication, email or other available channels.
(b) Staff will guide Students and guardians on where to wait safely.
6. LAND-DRILL CLASSES DURING PERSISTENT LIGHTNING
6.1. Where lightning persists beyond the normal waiting period, Splash Co may transition the scheduled lesson into a Land-Drill Class, conducted indoors in a safe, weather-protected environment.
6.2. Land-Drill Classes may include posture correction, breathing practice, arm-stroke and leg-kick drills, core-strength activation, balance training, glide drills, and conditioning work.
6.3. Land-based training is an internationally recognised and highly beneficial component of swimming development. It improves posture, muscle memory, efficiency, coordination, strength, endurance, and confidence.
6.4. Where a Land-Drill Class is conducted, it shall be deemed delivery of the scheduled lesson and constitutes a completed class for all policy and billing purposes.
6.5. Land-Drill Classes are not eligible for make-up sessions or credits.
7. MISSED LESSONS AND FORCE MAJEURE
7.1. Lessons suspended due to lightning are considered force-majeure events.
7.2. Missed aquatic lessons are not automatically eligible for make-up or credit.
7.3. Should lightning disruptions persist for more than two consecutive weeks, Management may, at its sole discretion, offer limited make-up sessions subject to availability.
8. RESPONSIBILITIES
8.1 Instructors and Staff:
(a) Monitor weather.
(b) Enforce evacuation.
(c) Ensure safe waiting areas.
(d) Conduct Land-Drill Classes when required.
8.2 Management:
(a) Train staff on lightning protocols.
(b) Communicate with Members.
(c) Maintain safe indoor spaces.
8.3 Members and Guardians:
(a) Follow all instructions during lightning delays.
(b) Understand that safety decisions are final.
(c) Ensure punctuality for Land-Drill transitions.
9. LIABILITY AND INDEMNITY
9.1. Participation remains subject to the Splash Co Terms, Conditions and Indemnity Agreement.
9.2. Splash Co shall not be liable for any loss, injury, delay, or inconvenience resulting from enforcement of this Lightning Policy.
10. REVIEW AND AMENDMENT
10.1. This policy shall be reviewed annually or as needed.
10.2. Amendments will be communicated with 30 days’ notice.
11. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
By participating in any Splash Co programme, the Member acknowledges and accepts this Lightning Policy, including the use of Land-Drill Classes as fully completed lessons when aquatic activities are unsafe.
