Piranhas in Westwood

Fellow Piranhas,

On behalf of the committee I would like to re-emphasise some of the key points that we should all observe when using the facilities of Westwood Clontarf.

We are very privileged to have the use of Westwood. In addition to the pool, Piranha makes extensive use of the facility for social gatherings, committee meetings, general meetings, etc.     It is important that all members help maintain the convivial relationship we enjoy with the staff of Westwood and O’Brien’s Café.

To that end, I would like to set-out the following reminders:

Overflow Car Park

ALWAYS use the overflow car park UNLESS you are a member of WW. The overflow car park is next to the DART station and only a couple of minutes away on foot.

NEVER use the member’s car park, even if you are late for a training session or club meeting. WW monitor car park usage carefully as it directly affects their members. WW get on to us regularly about this and it is an issue that has the potential jeopardise our use of the facility.

Accessing the Pool Deck

NEVER access the pool deck via the family changing area (downstairs), even if you are just popping back to collect a forgotten water bottle or goggles or need a comfort break. This area is reserved for families with children.

Lane Discipline

• ALWAYS swim to the edge of the lane – otherwise there is a danger of collision with a swimmer coming the other way.

• ALWAYS keep the gaps between swimmers to around 5 secs – if necessary, by turning before you reach the pool wall. This keeps you “on pace”. Don’t become a distance junkie: focus on the quality of your swim. Speed and distance will follow.

• Don’t deliberately stay too close to the swimmer in front if you don’t want to get past: it can cause the swimmers ahead to be slower and creates turbulence for those coming in the opposite direction. Help make the swim sets work for all.

• ALWAYS invite a swimmer who is tapping your toes to jump ahead of you by pulling in at the next opportunity. Don’t take it personally: we all have days when we are a bit off the pace. If you tap someone’s toes by mistake, acknowledge it and try not to repeat it.

• ALWAYS rest by standing to the side of the lane, let others who are still swimming through and then rejoin the set in a spot that is appropriate to your pace and when there is room to do so.

Lane Collisions

• ALWAYS seek to avoid collisions by swimming to the edge of the lane

• Acknowledge a collision when it happens either during a break or at the end of the set and make sure the other person is OK

• Accept that collisions do happen and are always accidental. If you think someone is drifting into the centre of the lane, ask the Coach to keep an eye on it as it is easier to monitor from the pool deck.

WW Reception Staff

• ALWAYS assume that WW will want to confirm that your name is on the Piranha swimmers list and don’t be offended by this request – there are potential insurance consequences for WW if individuals sneak in who are not members of both Piranha and Triathlon Ireland.

• PLEASE don’t “tailgate” through the barrier behind another Piranha who has checked in.

• Accept that the absence of your name on the list is NOT the fault of the person behind reception. It is the Club’s responsibility to provide the lists to WW, so contact the Piranha Membership team to understand why your name is not on the list

• Don’t challenge the reception staff – please politely ask them to double check if you think your name should be on the list. If you are not on, there is nothing they can do about it – it is up to the Club to investigate and rectify.

Bernard Hanratty

Club Chairman