INDUSTRY VIEWS
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SAFE PRACTICE IMPROVE PERFORMANCE BY EMBRACING INDUSTRY STANDARDS
Commercial leisure operators are incredibly busy, yet across the many levels of these organisations and the large the number of people involved, there is a fundamental need to stay up to date with legislation, standards and other industry guidance. Numerous bodies exist to bring their respective expertise to help the industry; by working together and being aware of the information and educational resources at our collective disposal, we can ensure more people stay up to date. Knowing where to look – or who to ask – regarding international, British and European standards is a good starting point in working towards safe practice. In the UK, the national standards body is the British Standards Institution (BSI). These standards then inform other industry guidance, such as that offered by the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) – HSG 179 and HSG 282, for example – which can be downloaded for free from the HSE website. Meanwhile, Sport England has its Design Guidance, which is well used. There are also multi-agency bodies that meet to discuss a range of topics, such as the PWTAG (Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group) which focuses on pool water treatment advice. PWTAG has a freely downloadable Code of Practice, while books can be purchased to provide more guidance. Meanwhile, the National Water Safety Forum has a Swimming Advisory Group which looks at how to reduce the number of swimming deaths every year. (Most happen in open water, but there are occasional incidents in leisure facilities.) The newest multi-agency body is The Swimming Alliance, which aims to offer a single, cohesive voice on crucial issues affecting public swimming pools and open water spaces across the UK. Conferences, exhibitions and industry events are also important learning opportunities, with the likes of SPATEX and Elevate bringing leisure professionals together each year to meet exhibitors. SPATEX is the UK’s only dedicated pool, spa and wellness show; it next takes place on 4–6 February 2025. Meanwhile Elevate, the UK’s largest trade show focused on the physical activity and fitness industry, will take place on 18–19 June 2025. As Leisure DB has proven, information is key for the commercial leisure sector. The challenge – and opportunity – for all professionals is to harness the vast networks that already exist to enhance knowledge and insight. This will not only improve your own performance, but also that of the teams you interact with.
The opportunity is there for leisure professionals to harness the vast networks that already exist to enhance knowledge.
CHRIS HAYES Managing director, SPATA
All sectors of the water leisure industry from pools, spas, saunas, hydrotherapy, steam rooms and play equipment, in the domestic and commercial arenas, are represented at SPATEX.
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STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023 STATE OF THE UK SWIMMING INDUSTRY REPORT 2024
STATE OF THE UK FITNESS INDUSTRY REPORT 2023
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STATE OF THE UK SWIMMING INDUSTRY REPORT 2024
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