Open Water Staff and Volunteers
Start Here!
Welcome to the open water swimming staff page. This is intended to provide all the information you need to get up and running as a staff member or volunteer at the lake. If you still have questions after going through the information on this page please message us via the WhatsApp group.
Thank you!
Thank you so much for volunteering to help at our open water swimming sessions at Compton Verney. Without you, we simply wouldn’t be able to run these sessions and we truly appreciate it. The feedback from swimmers almost always says how brilliant the volunteers and safety crew are and how much reassurance that gives them when they come. This makes you all very important and very much part of the Do3 family.
How it works
Our volunteer and safety crew rota is produced roughly a week ahead of the scheduled session. It is done via a web-based app. You should have been sent a link to access the staff availability app already. If you haven't, please get in touch! There are instructions on the home page of app showing you how how to update your availability, and see and confirm allocated roles.
For every session you volunteer at, you will be credited one swim at the lake, which you can either take the same day or on another session. You don't need to book in to swim if you're volunteering the same day, and volunteers can still swim even that session is officially full. If you put availability down for both sessions on one day, we'll assume you want to swim one session and volunteer the other (unless you let us know you'd be happy to do a double shift)
Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities
Spotters
Spotters play an important role in observation of swimmers and alerting safety personnel to any issues. They are not involved in rescues unless qualified to be and by agreement with the session manager. Click to download full role description
Check in
Check in staff are the first face of Do3 for most of our swimmers. They are responsible for welcoming and registering swimmers and ensuring they know what to do and where to go. They will also be required to deal with tow float hires and merchandise sales. Click to download full role description
Check out
Check out staff ensure that all swimmers sign out of the lake safely, and check on their wellbeing after their swim, as they may be a little wobbly on their feet, cold or disoriented. Click to download full role description
Exit
Exit staff provide assistance to swimmers as they get out of the water. The ground can be a little uneven by the exit point and they may be a little unsteady when they first stand up after swimming, so the support of the exit pole is generally very much valued! Click to download full role description
SUP/kayak spotter
Competent paddle boarders/kayakers may undertake a spotting role from the water. Whilst they are not qualified safety crew, they are recommended to have attended Do3's on-water rescue training, and will be required to wear a buoyancy aid. Click to download full role description
On site training for staff and volunteers
When you are new to your position you will be given a briefing by the duty session manager. Please ask if you are unsure about anything at all. No question is a silly question, and we want you to feel confident and happy in your role.
Safety Staff Roles and Responsibilities
Lifeguard
Lifeguards are the session leads for the safety team. They must be qualified open water lifeguards (including first aid) and confident to make decisions on all aspects of session safety on the lake. They assist with rescues predominantly from bankside. Click to download full role description
Safety kayaker/paddleboarder
Competent kayakers and paddleboarders who have completed Canoe England's Foundation Safety and Rescue/Paddlesport Safety and Rescue course, and have a valid first aid certificate, can form part of our on-water safety crew. Safety crew must be confident in identifying and talking to swimmers who may be anxious, cold, or in difficulty and recovering them to the bank if need be. They are recommended to have attended Do3's on-water rescue training, and will be required to wear a buoyancy aid. Click to download full role description
On site training for safety staff
Pre season training for safety staff consists of a practical on-water session. For those starting later in the season, a recording of the online session is available and shadowing/on-water practise will be required prior to joining the paid team.
Swim Smooth Certified Swim Analysis and Stroke Correction
Can't Travel?
New remote video analysis service!
CLICK HERE
What happens during the Swim Analysis and Stroke Correction Session?
First of all we will get you into the pool and after swimming a few lengths to warm up, we will film you. You will be filmed from all angles including directly above (looking down) and underneath the water. Once the filming is done, we will then spend time with you on poolside going through the recorded footage. This part of the process is hugely valuable as it allows us to see in fine detail what is happening with your stroke. During the review, we will analyse your stroke using slow-motion software and annotate areas for development. We will show you clips of elite swimmers side-by-side so you can see clearly the difference between your stroke and the world's best swimmers. Finally, we will show you recordings of the drills that you should work on. These drills will be specific to you and your stroke meaning you will go away with no doubt what you should be working on to improve. The whole analysis element of the session is recorded and you will be sent a link to the recording so you can watch it at home.
The Venues
Prices
75 Minute Full Swim Analysis and Stroke Correction Session with DVD Footage of Analysis - £130
60 Minute Review Session (for repeat visits) - £90
NEW We now offer a remote review and analysis service for only £50. Please click here for more.......
Session Availability and Booking
There are two ways to book. These are:
Book and pay for your session by downloading the Do3 Coaching App - click here to find out more.
Book and pay using our booking system below (scroll further down for detailed instructions if you need them)