South London Swimming Club (SLSC) Member Code of Conduct
Purpose
This Code of Conduct outlines the expected behaviour of all members of the South London Swimming Club (SLSC) to ensure that our community remains welcoming, respectful and aligned with the values of outdoor swimming and volunteer-run governance. Members agree to abide by this code upon joining or renewing their membership.
1. General behaviour
1.1 Treat all members, volunteers, staff and Lido users with respect and courtesy, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, and sex and sexual orientation.
1.2 Avoid behaviour that could be considered discriminatory, harassing, bullying or aggressive.
1.3 Communicate with fellow members in a respectful tone – in person, by email and online spaces, including but not limited to, social media accounts managed by SLSC and WhatsApp groups managed by SLSC. Refrain from personal attacks or aggressive criticism, even in disagreement.
1.4 Respect the voluntary nature of the Committee and recognise that all officers are giving their time freely to support the Club.
2. Conduct at the Lido
2.1 Follow all Lido rules and lifeguard instructions promptly and without argument.
2.2 Respect all swimmers and avoid unsafe behaviour, such as jumping in when lanes are busy, excessive splashing or blocking other swimmers.
2.3 Use shared facilities (changing rooms, sauna, lockers, showers, etc) considerately and clean up after yourself.
2.4 Be particularly mindful of race schedules, winter swim hours and members-only dusk sessions. Ensure you exit the pool promptly at the end of your swim – especially after races or during evening sessions – so that lifeguards can safely close the site and finish their shift on time.
3. Use of sauna and facilities
3.1 Use the sauna responsibly and in accordance with posted rules. Keep conversations quiet, avoid lingering to the detriment of others and never monopolise space.
4. Volunteering and participation
4.1 Members are encouraged to contribute to club life through volunteering, helping at events, or participating in committees or working groups.
4.2 If you commit to volunteering or attending an event, please follow through or notify organisers if your availability changes.
5. Feedback, complaints and disputes
5.1 Raise feedback or suggestions through appropriate channels – ideally by speaking to a committee member, emailing the club or using the contact form on the website.
5.2 If you have a complaint about another member’s behaviour, follow the formal complaints process outlined on the SLSC website (to be created). Do not engage in public confrontation.
5.3 Behaviour that is disruptive, anonymously critical on social media, or vexatious may result in membership revocation. This is at the discretion of the Committee and following the defined process.
6. Safeguarding and welfare
6.1 Report any safeguarding concern (relating to adults or children) directly and promptly to the Welfare Officer welfare@slsc.org.uk.
6.2 Respect the confidentiality of any welfare or grievance process you are involved in. Breaches may be subject to disciplinary action.
7. Club governance and communication
7.1 Understand that key decisions are made by the elected committee, in line with the club’s rules and constitution.
7.2 AGMs and SGMs are the appropriate places to formally vote on major decisions, however, ongoing feedback is always welcome via the Contact Us page.
7.3 Information about committee decisions, motions and projects is shared via newsletters, AGM papers and the SLSC website – members are encouraged to stay informed.
8. Disciplinary process
8.1 Breaches of this Code of Conduct may result in informal warnings, temporary suspension or termination of membership, depending on severity.
8.2 Members will be given the opportunity to respond to complaints or allegations through a fair process, in line with the Welfare Policy.
9. Acknowledgement
By becoming or renewing as a member, you agree to uphold the SLSC Code of Conduct. Breaches may result in disciplinary action as outlined. The full policy is available on the website and in printed form upon request.
Approved December 2025
