Technology advancements and online software for swim schools has resulted in more swim schools use tablet devices such as ipads in the pool or on deck for recording student progress.
These advancements provide many benefits to swim schools and swimming teachers. However, it is important to consider safety and data protection requirements from using such devices.
A recent article from STA outlines some key considerations when using tablets in the swim school.
These considerations are summarised below.
- Safety
- Key safety points outlined by STA include the following…
At no point should the tablet distract a swimming teacher from the delivery of the lesson or its safety. The tablet should be used at the start of the lesson, before the learners enter the pool. It should then be placed to one side out of the way.
When updating a learner’s progress or assessment, a swimming teacher should do this after the lesson has finished. The learner’s safety should never be compromised whilst they are in the care of the swimming teacher.
Swimming teachers must not leave learners unattended when using a tablet. The use of a tablet to record learner attendance should take no longer than it would to tick a paper register.
- Data Protection
- Key data protection and privacy policies outlined by STA included the following…
All swimming teachers who use a tablet should sign and understand the swim school’s data protection policy.
A swimming teacher should only be able to access the class information such as learner name, medical details etc. They should not have access to non-essential personal data such as address, bank details etc.
When the tablet is being used during a swimming lesson, the tablet must be locked or have a security feature which will not allow another individual to access the information.
At no point should a personal tablet be used for work purposes. The employer should provide these if they are to be implemented into the swimming lesson programme.
Employers and venues should have appropriate safety precautions in place ensuring the network/Wi-Fi are secure and cannot be compromised.
- Tablet Functionality
- STA provided the following tips for tablet functionality…
If a tablet is being used to record a learner’s progress or to give visual feedback, informed consent must be given from the parent/guardian and assent* from the learner. If the parent/guardian gives consent but the learner says no, then the learner’s wishes must be observed, even if the learner is under 16 years old.
If consent and assent has been obtained and the tablet is being used for a specific stroke analysis element or practice, then the image/recording must be deleted immediately once feedback has been given. No imagery/footage is to be stored or kept on the tablet.
All tablets used in a poolside environment must be in a secure waterproof housing to protect against water damage and to prevent any glass getting in/on the poolside, should the tablet be dropped.
Tablets should not be used in changing facilities. When charging a tablet this must be done away from poolside in a secure area. This has relevance when working in a pool environment.
By following the tips outlined above you can ensure your swim school enjoys the benefits of using tablet devices and swim school software whilst maintaining safety and data security.
