1. Purpose

HIB Fitness is committed to providing a safe, well-managed environment for members, visitors and staff. Safety is a shared responsibility: HIB Fitness will take reasonable steps to manage risks, while users must follow instructions and use facilities responsibly.

2. Fitness to participate

Before taking part in exercise, classes, swimming or other physical activity, members should consider their current health, fitness and any relevant medical advice.

  • Seek appropriate medical advice if you have a known medical condition or are unsure whether exercise is suitable.
  • Take particular care when returning after illness, injury or surgery, during pregnancy or postpartum, or where a healthcare professional has recommended restrictions.
  • Do not participate if you are experiencing symptoms that could make exercise unsafe.

3. During exercise

Stop exercising and seek assistance if you experience chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness, faintness, sudden weakness, unusual palpitations or significant pain or discomfort.

4. Medical and health information

Where HIB Fitness asks for health information for a legitimate safety or participation purpose, members should provide accurate information that is relevant to that purpose.

Health information will be handled confidentially and in accordance with the HIB Fitness Privacy Policy and applicable data-protection law.

5. Injuries and incidents

Any injury, accident, near miss or safety concern within the facility should be reported to a member of staff as soon as possible. Members should not continue an activity where doing so could worsen an injury or create a safety risk.

6. Equipment use

  • Use equipment only for its intended purpose and in accordance with displayed instructions.
  • Ask a member of staff for guidance if you are unsure how to use equipment.
  • Do not use equipment that appears damaged or unsafe.
  • Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately.
  • Return movable equipment safely after use.

7. Hygiene and illness

  • Maintain appropriate personal hygiene and follow facility hygiene requirements.
  • Clean equipment after use where cleaning materials are provided.
  • Avoid attending where you have a contagious illness or symptoms that may reasonably place others at risk.
  • Follow any additional hygiene or infection-control instructions communicated by HIB Fitness.

8. Pool and aquatic activities

  • Follow lifeguard and staff instructions at all times.
  • Comply with age, supervision and swimming-ability requirements.
  • Do not run, dive unsafely or behave in a way that creates a risk to others.
  • Do not enter the pool if unwell or where participation may create a safety risk.

9. Classes and instructor-led activities

Members should arrive in sufficient time, follow instructor guidance and select an appropriate level of activity. Inform the instructor of relevant limitations where necessary for safe participation.

10. Children and vulnerable users

Children and any users requiring supervision must comply with HIB Fitness supervision and safeguarding requirements. Parents or guardians remain responsible where supervision is required by policy.

11. Emergency procedures

  • Follow staff instructions during an emergency, evacuation or medical incident.
  • Keep emergency exits and access routes clear.
  • Do not interfere with alarms, first-aid equipment, defibrillators or other safety equipment.
  • Report hazards promptly.

12. Personal responsibility

Members should exercise within their abilities, use facilities appropriately and raise concerns when they identify a potential risk. This policy does not remove or reduce any responsibility that HIB Fitness has under applicable law.

13. Acknowledgement

By using HIB Fitness facilities or participating in activities, members and visitors agree to follow reasonable safety instructions, facility rules and staff guidance.