The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management
ISRM statement
The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management today (Monday, March 22 2004) clarified that it has NOT issued any guidance recommending the 'banning' of backstroke in public swimming pools.
It made the response after a number of media reports suggested that a council swimming pool in Blackburn had banned backstroke following guidance from the Institute.
In fact the Institute recommends:
- That all pools carry out a risk assessment on use of pools to maximise safety
- That appropriate pool programming is undertaken to provide for the requirements of different users
The Institute had issued guidance to its members in January 2002 on the effective management of lane swimming in public swimming pools, which includes advice on how to ensure swimmers do not collide, including the use of different lanes for different strokes.
ISRM Chief Executive, Ralph Riley said: "It is unfortunate that our guidelines have been misinterpreted by parts of the media. Effective management of lane swimming makes it enjoyable for everyone and still provides the opportunity for budding Olympians to come through."