What are programmed and unprogrammed sessions?

GUIDANCE

What is a programmed session?

The definition of a programmed session has remained consistent for over two decades. Safe Supervision (2017) defines programmed activities as "those with a formal structure, disciplined, continuously supervised or controlled and monitored from the poolside." This definition is also used in CIMSPA Guidance Note GN014. 

What examples are there of programmed sessions?

Examples of programmed sessions include: 

• Swimming lessons, training sessions, or competitions. 
• Water polo training or competition. 
• Diving training or competition. 
• Synchronised swimming training or competition. 

Examples of unprogrammed sessions include: 

• General swimming session. 
• Open-access lane swimming session. 
• Open-access floating play or inflatable play session. 

What are the features of a programmed session?

In my view, the current definition of a programmed session is unhelpful. The definition above is indistinguishable from a patrolling lifeguard supervising an open-access floats session. The phrase "formal structure" is imprecise and permits the wrong conclusion by lifeguards and pool operators, as reflected in some pool safety operating procedures. 

I would propose the following definition for a programmed session: 

"An instructor-directed session in which the number of participants remains constant throughout the session."

What is an unprogrammed session?

CIMSPA GN014 defines an unprogrammed session as "all other sessions that are not programmed, including those without a formal structure, where bathers can play within the confines of the rules laid down by the pool operator." 

What are the features of an unprogrammed session?

An unprogrammed session is one that: 

• Has a variable number of pool users throughout the session. 
• Is self-directed within confined (pool) rules. 
• Typically allows higher maximum pool user numbers. 
• Typically allows higher lifeguard to pool user ratios. 
• Typically includes supervisor-to-child/vulnerable person ratios. 

I would define an unprogrammed session as "all other sessions that are not programmed" if my suggested replacement definition were to be adopted. 

References

ASA. 2017. Safe Supervision of programmed swimming lessons and training sessions

CIMSPA. 2014. Parental and operator guidance for child supervision policies in swimming pools (GN014). 

Lawton, J., Freeman-Wright, D., and Seghers, G. 2003. Guidance booklet for the management and delivery of teaching and coaching of swimming. 

Citation: Jacklin, D. 2021. What are programmed and unprogrammed sessions? Water Incident Research Hub, 27 December.