Lightning Policy
(Governing the Suspension and Continuation of Aquatic Activities)
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.
(c) “Interrupted Lesson” means a lesson that has started, where the Student is already in the pool and is instructed to exit the water because of lightning or thunder.
(d) “Cancelled Lesson” means a lesson that Splash Co stops or does not start because of lightning or thunder, before the Student has entered the pool.
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 a scheduled Stroke class into a Land-Drill Class, conducted indoors in a safe, weather-protected environment.
6.2. Land-Drill Classes apply to Stroke classes only. They are not offered for Adult classes or Learn-to-Swim classes. Where lightning persists during an Adult or Learn-to-Swim class, the lesson is dealt with under Section 7.
6.3. 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.
6.4. 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.
6.5. 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.
6.6. Land-Drill Classes are not eligible for make-up sessions or credits, as set out in Section 7.
7. MISSED LESSONS, MAKE-UP LESSONS AND FORCE MAJEURE
7.1. Lessons suspended or cancelled due to lightning are considered force-majeure events.
7.2. Make-up lessons for lightning are never guaranteed. Any make-up lesson is offered solely at Splash Co’s discretion and subject to availability.
7.3. Interrupted Lessons: where a Student is already in the pool and is instructed to exit the water because of lightning, Splash Co may, at its discretion, offer a make-up lesson.
7.4. Cancelled Lessons: where Splash Co stops lessons completely because of lightning before the Student has entered the pool, the lesson will not be made up or credited.
7.5. Repeat Disruption: where lightning disrupts lessons for the same Student a second time, Splash Co will offer a make-up lesson, and the Student’s regular class day and time will be moved to a slot less likely to be affected, subject to availability.
7.6. No refunds, credits or fee reductions apply to lessons missed because of lightning, save as set out in this Section 7.
7.7. Splash Co’s fees are set well below those of many swim schools that do not offer any make-up lessons for lightning. The make-up provisions in this Section 7 are a goodwill gesture and do not create an entitlement.
8. RESPONSIBILITIES
8.1 Instructors and Staff:
(a) Monitor weather.
(b) Enforce evacuation.
(c) Ensure safe waiting areas.
(d) Conduct Land-Drill Classes for Stroke 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 for Stroke classes when aquatic activities are unsafe, and that make-up lessons for lightning are offered only at Splash Co’s discretion.
