Dear Friends,

The purpose of this brief newsletter is to draw your attention to the Message below. We all need to take heed of it and make any necessary response.

These notes are to keep Members informed about some important matters. You will all be aware that our presence at the pool each week is not without risks. Pool safety is an important matter for us all. The pool lifeguards ensure that if there is an emergency in the water, we will be rescued!! However, the changing rooms, the poolside and getting in and out of the water, pose a whole range of risks to us all. In order to minimise these risks we all need to be vigilant and observe some simple rules.

• Always take note of all warning signs and instructions.
• Be aware that the changing rooms and poolside are often very wet and the likelihood of slipping is great, especially for the young, the infirm and the elderly. Great care must be taken. If members are at all unsure on their feet, then take a ride in one of the chairs.
• Always enter the water by the safest route, use the hoist or the new stairs if you are unsure and need a controlled entry.
• If in any doubt, or if you are unsure, ask for help.

• Be sure you know and understand the Westgate Emergency Routines. The Centre staff will rely on us to help them in case of emergency.
• Be sure that you take advantage of any Health and Safety training that will, from time to time, be offered.
• Be aware that the Otters are unable to insure swimmers and helpers over the age of 70 years.
• Be aware that Health and Safety is an issue for us all and we are all responsible to ensure no unsafe practices are followed.

• No Helper or Carer should attempt manually to lift a swimmer if an alternative method of transfer is available.
• No Otters Helpers should attempt to lift a swimmer unless they have received appropriate training, and then only if this is the only option available.

Note: The Club Committee is shortly to negotiate the purchase of additional hoists and equipment to ensure that we do not have to manually lift anyone. When this equipment is in place the Club will operate a strict No Lifting Policy.

The Garden Party was greatly enjoyed by all who attended. The picnic idea of bringing our own food was the result of necessity this year but it seemed popular so we may do it again. Only about 30 people attended which is a disappointment for those who were responsible for such things as bringing the tables, organising the tombola, raffle, treasure island and finding pots of money.

We thank the Gick family for use of their garden, their swimming pool, and the boat trip, some of us had two turns.

Gordon is looking into the possibility of arranging a skittle evening. Watch the desk for further details.

Keep checking our web site: http://www.sussexotters.org.uk and tell your friends about us. Since Easter we have welcomed several new members and had a number of enquiries from other interested people. There is always room for more and especially for helpers

Best wishes, Owen Cole, editor. 7.viii.2003. 01243 781455: wocole@aol.com