Staffordshire Schools’ Swimming Service

Guidance notes for the use of swimming goggles in Schools (December 2008)

 1.       Goggles are not necessary within short curriculum swimming lessons (typically 20
           to 25 minutes water time)   or for single, short races in school galas

 2.       Goggles are intended for use in long, regular swimming sessions when:

a.      the eyes would be exposed for long periods to the effects of the chemicals
     in the water

b.     the tissue around the eyes does not dry out between training sessions
    and thus becomes more susceptible to infection

 3.        For reasons of Safe Practice in School Sport, it is recommended that the use of
           goggles should not be allowed unless a school is satisfied that a pupil has
            ‘exceptional circumstances’
            –i.e through involvement in long and frequent training sessions, outside school
              hours, or if the individual has particularly sensitive eyes, or for some other
              exceptional circumstance.

4.       Wet plastic can be slippery and, frequent, incorrect or unnecessary adjustment or
          removal of goggles, such  as pulling them away from the eyes instead of sliding
          them over the forehead, could cause an eye injury and parents should be made
          aware of this risk.

5.       In crowded water space there is an increased likelihood of accidental collision that
          may lead to eye injury by those wearing goggles.

6.       When large numbers of pupils complain of eye irritation it is likely to be a
          chemical imbalance which can be easily rectified.

7.       In the rare circumstances where the use of goggles are allowed in a school, as
          described in (paragraph 3), the adult responsible for the group has the right to
          require the pupil to remove them for reasons of safe practice if a pupil uses them
          inappropriately.

8.       It is a parents’ responsibility to ensure their child is able to safely apply and
          remove the goggles.

9.       Certain aspects of the Water Safety and Personal Survival Award do require a pupil
          to remove their goggles. 

10.      A medical certificate is not essential for a school to allow a pupil to use goggles.
          However, schools do, as a minimum, require a letter from a parent stating the
          pupil’s ‘exceptional circumstances’ to enable a school to consider a request for
          their child to use goggles during a school swimming activity. 

11.      Please note it is important that all parents of children who swim under the care of
          a school have access to these guidance notes prior to commencing a swimming
          activity.   This will ensure that parents are aware of the current Safe Practice in
          School Sport guidelines referred to in this document concerning the use
          of goggles.