SENSORY SESSIONS
At Shepperton Splash, we are introducing new ‘sensory sessions’ which will be more inclusive for individuals with special educational needs. We are adapting our typical operating structure to increase safety and accessibility of our aqua park during the sensory sessions. This is something we hope the whole family would be able to enjoy.
WHEN: Every Friday from the 19th of July until the 6th of September at 11am.
WHO: Anyone aged 6+ who prefers quieter sessions and are looking for places to enjoy with all the family.
PRICE: £18 per person carer goes free and any additional family will be £18 too.
EVERYONE SHOULD BE ABLE TO EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF WATER IN A SAFE AND COMFORTABLE ENVIRONMENT
We will have 4 fully trained open-water lifeguards roaming the aqua park, at all times. Our lifeguards have been instructed to reduce their whistle use and will all be carrying communication cards conveying simple instructions, such as ‘stop’ and ‘swim’ and integrating zones of regulation cards to increase effective communication between us and our customers. All of our lifeguards communicate via radio. This enables us to reduce noise created using our whistles but maintain our high level of safety through constant communication. In addition to this, we will have a lifeguard supervising, from our lifeguard chair for the duration of the time on the water. Similarly, this lifeguard will not be using the megaphone (except for emergency situations).
Our sessions, typical involve a swim test; however, this has been adapted to a few minutes to acclimatise to the water for all customers. During this time, all 4 lifeguards will be waiting on the entry steps of the aqua park, 2 members of staff on the entry dock and myself in the water alongside the customers. This allows us to ensure all customers are comfortable in water, while also allowing for customers to get used to the water temperature and difference of lake swimming. This is of the upmost importance to reduce panicking. At no point in the lake will customers be able to stand; therefore, we need to have confident swimmers/comfort in the water for entry onto the aqua park.
Due to limited megaphone use our lifeguards will take on the role of providing frequent 10 minute reminders so that everyone is aware where in the session we are. This allows for preparation for the upcoming ending to the session. Other alterations we have made include, turning off the background music which usually plays on site and producing a ‘Shepperton splash story’ which provides a walk-through of what to expect on site.
FAQs - most frequently asked questions
Our first sensory session for the summer holidays period will be commencing on the 19th July at 11am and will continue until the 6th September.
These sessions are available to book via the website and all tickets purchased cover 1 SEN customer and a parent/carer.
Each sensory session ticket covers 1 SEN individual and a parent/carer.
Each session is 50 minutes and starts on the hour.
We recommend all customers to arrive an hour in advance to allow time for check-in, wristband collection, collecting soft hats and buoyance aids and a safety briefing.
We are a family friendly site with patient and enthusiastic staff.
We will have 4 fully trained open-water lifeguards roaming the aqua park, at all times. Our lifeguards have been instructed to reduce their whistle use and will all be carrying communication cards conveying simple instructions, such as ‘stop’ and ‘swim’ and integrating zones of regulation cards to increase effective communication between us and our customers. All of our lifeguards communicate via radio. This enables us to reduce noise created using our whistles but maintain our high level of safety through constant communication. In addition to this, we will have a lifeguard supervising, from our lifeguard chair for the duration of the time on the water. Similarly, this lifeguard will not be using the megaphone (except for emergency situations).
Our sessions, typical involve a swim test; however, this has been adapted to a few minutes to acclimatise to the water for all customers. During this time, all 4 lifeguards will be waiting on the entry steps of the aqua park, 2 members of staff on the entry dock and myself in the water alongside the customers. This allows us to ensure all customers are comfortable in water, while also allowing for customers to get used to the water temperature and difference of lake swimming. This is of the upmost importance to reduce panicking. At no point in the lake will customers be able to stand; therefore, we need to have confident swimmers/comfort in the water for entry onto the aqua park.
All customers for our aqua park have to be comfortable and confident in deep open water. This is of the upmost importance to maintain a high standard of safety and reduce risk of panicking out on the lake.
Due to limited megaphone use our lifeguards will take on the role of providing frequent 10 minute reminders so that everyone is aware where in the session we are. This allows for preparation for the upcoming ending to the session.
Other alterations we have made include, turning off the background music which usually plays on site and producing a ‘Shepperton splash story’ which provides a walk-through of what to expect on site.
