OUTRAGE over a new ruling that bans the use of open-face snorkels and restricts the use of training fins in the pool at Alton Sports Centre has led newly-appointed managers SLM (operating under the name of Everyone Active) to review both policy and signage.

According to David Love, Everyone Active’s area contract manager, customer feedback concerning the issue has been taken on board and, as a result, the company will be looking again at the policy, introduced when it took over managing the centre on April 1.

Having questioned the new rule which, he says, was introduced without any form of consultation and he has not seen displayed in writing, one such customer, Michael Villemin from Four Marks, says he was told by Everyone Active that it was company policy, dictated by health and safety concerns.

But Mr Villemin said: “These swimming aids are an integral part of the swimming training regimen undertaken by serious swimmers or people training to improve their technique.

“Before April 1, fins and open-face snorkels were allowed in any empty swimming lanes during public lane swimming times or with the agreement with the swimmers using the lanes. Since April 1, SLM has imposed a full ban on these training aids regardless of whether the lanes are empty or not.”

He added that the company hadn’t sought the views of other swimmers.

“These commonsense rules have been in practice for years and worked very well for every swimming pool user.”

While understanding that Alton Sports Centre has a duty of care for all swimmers, Mr Villemin has asked to see the recorded incident figures involving fins and open-face snorkels in the last five years at Alton Sports Centre.

In pointing out that SLM had “taken over all direct debit payments for memberships without questions”, Mr Villemin believes any such issues should have been sorted out from the start and in consultation with regular centre users.

“A lot of swimmers are dismayed by SLM’s heavy-handed approach regarding the (swimming aids) matter and have threatened to cancel their membership altogether.”

In his opinion, with consultation “SLM could have addressed their concerns about health and safety by dedicating a lane for swimmers using fins and snorkels during public swimming lanes hours from 2pm”.

And the company could, he suggested, have made “a great marketing decision by selling recognised and approved fins and open-face snorkels in their shop area”.

In seeking to explain the situation, in a statement from Everyone Active, Mr Love said: “Our current company policy states that snorkels may only be used by swimmers who have a medical condition or injury that require it.

“Training fins and hand paddles can currently be used during lane swimming sessions.

“We aim to accommodate all of our customers and have taken on board their feedback in relation to this matter. As a result, we will be reviewing our policy and signage.”

And he added: “With regard to the change in direct debit payments, all members were sent a letter notifying them that SLM will take over the management of East Hampshire District Council’s leisure facilities from April 1, 2017.

“The amount collected and the date of when it is taken will remain the same. The only change will be the name reference which appears on a member’s bank statement.

“If members have any concerns on these changes, we would advise they contact Alton Sports Centre directly on 03330 050457.”