Swimming Pool

bluefrog111

12 Aug 2016

3.5

Date of visit: August 2016

I am a carer or friend of a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: moving around

I use or have experience of: wheelchair

Overall Rating

Good

Fairly good attempt at making swimming accessible. They are a bit limited with how the building is, but the staff are fantastic and do all they can to make up for this

Disabled Access In and Around

Average

Ramp up to reception and desk is fairly low. To access the pool from the changing rooms you have to go down a flight of steps. To get round this, the staff will open a fire exit to the pool area and you get changed in the First Aid room - you just go round the outside, takes a couple of minutes. There is a rise and fall bed, and a very old hoist that we were a bit too scared to use!! Accessible shower next to the pool (but switch is in another room so you may need to ask for help) The first aid room is a bit dark and could benefit from a refit. Steps down into baby pool. There is a hoist into main pool (they put it up if you ask) it has a chair but doesn't take slings. The chair has a toilet aperture so we couldn't use it as my little girl would fall through!! The water is nice and warm and the pool area is clean.

Parking & Transport

Good

On a good bus route and all Stagecoach buses are accessible. Two accessible spaces near the door with areas at the side so you can open the doors. But the car park is on a hill so a bit tricky getting the ramp down on our WAV.

Accessible Toilets

Average

There is a toilet in the first aid room. Has a large cubicle but don't remember seeing any rails. They have recently installed red cords in both changing and toilet areas. To be honest it is pretty old and grim, but they do keep it fairly clean!