CODE OF CONDUCT

Dear Positive Swim Squad Member,


Welcome to Positive Swim Squad (PSS) — a community where we share a love for swimming, fun and friendship!


As your coach, it’s my pleasure to support and motivate you both in and out of the water, and together we enjoy a vibrant, supportive, and inclusive environment for all. PSS is built on mutual respect, good humour, and the shared joy of swimming.


Please read and adhere to our Code of Conduct, which sets out simple guidelines to ensure all PSS members thrive.


- Coach Ceinwen

In the pool: Positive training

  • Safety: Alert your coach or a lifeguard immediately if you feel unwell or notice an unsafe situation. Bring any personal medications.


  • Know your speed: Be aware of your pace relative to others in your lane. If you’re slower, let faster swimmers go first. If someone taps your toes, let them pass at the end of the lap.  This way each of you can get the most out of every session. Speak to your coach if you’d like to go up or down a lane.


  • Direction and turning: Swim to the left of the lane. Turn in the middle or to the right at the end of the lane so you don’t obstruct those behind.


  • Change leader: Most people in each lane are a similar speed – to give everyone a chance to push themselves, change the lane leader after each set.


  • Leave five seconds: Before you start each set, leave five seconds after the person ahead. If you are always catching the person in front, ask to go ahead of them for the next set, or leave 10 seconds to push yourself!


  • Read the clock: Know and understand how to read the clock and stay on cycles. Don’t go ahead of the cycle.


  • Let everyone finish: When you finish, move quickly to the right and up the lane rope to allow your fellow swimmers to complete their laps at the wall. This encourages everyone to finish strong.


  • Supportive spirit: Cheer each other on and back each other! After each set, high fives and positive words bring good vibes. Regroup, swap the lead and go again.


  • Birthdays: If it’s your birthday, we would LOVE to celebrate it! As there are so many people, please bring your own cake/treats on the day of your birthday to celebrate and have something to look forward to at the end of training.



In the ocean: Positive waves

  • Wild ocean: You swim in the ocean (or any open water) at your own risk. Follow all instructions from Surf Lifesavers, including shark alarms.


  • Routes: The coaching team will consider safety and weather conditions for the ocean swims when recommending routes.


  • Safety: Swim close to shore. Always swim with a buddy and check on them regularly. Always tell someone if you are getting out earlier than planned. Don’t swim in rips and dangerous conditions. Wear sunscreen.


  • Be visible: Wear a bright cap. Use a towfloat if possible.


  • Paddlers: If available, have a paddler – for safety, route guidance and event practice for both you and the paddler.


  • On shore: In your shore bag, have water/fluids, food/snacks/gels and any medications such as pain killers, antihistamines, Stingose, anti-inflammatories, anti-nausea tablets – you should try all these medications before your competitive events.

Out of the pool: Positive socialising

  • Respectful behaviour: Treat all squad members, coaches, facility staff and visitors with kindness and courtesy — both during sessions and at all PSS events.


  • WhatsApp groups: There are various WhatsApp groups to help coaches communicate with PSS members about swims or social events. Messages in group chats must be respectful and aligned to the purpose of the group – only some groups are for banter!


  • Safe socialising: Whilst we love celebrating together, please consume alcohol responsibly at PSS gatherings. Look out for each other, respect individual choices, and always prioritise safety.


  • Inclusivity: PSS welcomes swimmers of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Discrimination, bullying, or exclusion of any kind will not be tolerated — everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected.


  • No sexual harassment: PSS has zero tolerance for sexual harassment, inappropriate remarks, or unwanted attention. If you witness or experience any concerning behaviour, please report it to a coach immediately.


Coaches have discretion to ask a member to leave a session, event or the squad if their behaviours do not align with this Code of Conduct.

Positive by name. Positive by nature!

Being part of PSS means looking out for ourselves and each other. This Code of Conduct is intended to protect all our members and support each of you in bringing your best self to every PSS session or event.


PSS a fantastic place to swim, grow, and connect. If you ever have questions, suggestions, or concerns, my door is always open.


You Never Regret a Swim!