What advice it has given to local authorities on the implementation of guidance issued by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management …

The Executive has not issuedand has no plans to issue advice to local authorities on the implementation ofguidance issued by the Institute of Sport and Recreation Management on child to adult ratiosin swimming pools. The guidance is intended to encourage and assist the makingof appropriate risk assessments. While child safety is of paramount importance,the guidance is not intended to prevent children from having fun and enjoyingthe exercise and socialising aspects of swimming and its benefits in healthterms. It is for individual local authorities and other swimming pool operatorsto interpret and apply the guidance taking into account the circumstances ofeach swimming pool for which they are responsible. However, I would hope that theguidance would be implemented in the spirit which it is intended.