Ban on pupils wearing swimming goggles over health and safety fears they might 'snap' too hard on their face

By Daily Mail Reporter
Updated:

A school has banned children from wearing goggles during swimming lessons - for fear they could hurt themselves while wearing them.

Youngsters were told they were no longer allowed to wear the swimming aides in case a pair  'snapped' onto their face too hard, or a lens popped out unexpectedly.  

Parents described the ruling by teachers and governors at Ysgol Bryn Coch, Mold, as 'bonkers', and said it smacked of 'health and safety regulations gone mad'.   

Young Girl Swimming in a Pool with Goggles on

Youngsters were told they were no longer allowed to wear the goggles in case a pair 'snapped' onto their face too hard, or a lens popped out unexpectedly

Three children have so far been withdrawn from swimming lessons because of the new rule,  which has affected 335 junior pupils.

But headteacher Lynne Williams insisted the school was following advice from the British Association of Advisors and Lecturers in Physical Education (BAALPE).

Ms Williams said: 'It has been recognised by BAALPE that goggles can pose a real risk to children, and this has been accepted by the governors.'

The BAALPE advice states: 'Head teachers should inform parents and carers that goggles can be a hazard and cause permanent eye injury.  

'Wet plastic is very slippery and frequent, incorrect or unnecessary adjustment or removal of them, by pulling them away from the eyes instead of sliding them over the forehead, can lead to them slipping from the pupil's grasp with the hard plastic causing severe injury.' 

One parent said the school had told parents in a letter goggles could only be used if they were necessary on medical grounds. 

Teachers and governors art Ysgol Bryn Coch, Mold, said the school was following guidelines over the use of swimming goggles

Teachers and governors art Ysgol Bryn Coch, Mold, said the school was following guidelines over the use of swimming goggles

She said: 'I think the ruling is absolutely bonkers.'

Another asked why councils allow children to wear them in public swimming pools if they were so dangerous.

'In my opinion it's health and safety regulations gone mad,' the mother said. 

A spokesman for Flintshire County Council said: 'The school can advise parents on the use of goggles during school swimming lessons.

'There is a legal responsibility for school governors, headteachers and teaching staff to ensure that the LEA's health and safety policy is followed, and that advice and guidance on matters such as swimming and the use of goggles are applied and monitored regularly by schools.

'The BAALPE guidelines are consistent with those of the Amateur Swimming Association.' 

The association guidelines say goggles only need to be worn by children who suffer excessively from the effects of water chemicals.

They advise pupils should be taught to remove goggles by: 'slipping them up off the head rather than by stretching away from the eyes on the retaining band'.

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