Mayfiled Sports Complex

85 Irish Leisure Facilities Receive 2011/2012 White Flag Award

Thursday, 13^th October 2011: ILAM -  the Irish leisure industry employers body which represents gyms, leisure centres, sports, fitness, aquatic & outdoor facilities, has announced that 85 leisure facilities from across Ireland have been awarded White Flags for the 2011/2012. The prestigious White Flags Awards were presented at a gala dinner hosted by RTE Sports broadcaster and commentator Michael Lyster in the Mount Wolseley Hotel and Country Club in Carlow.

The White Flag is the only comprehensive quality award and measurement of standards for gyms, swimming pools and leisure amenities in Ireland. The highly sought after White Flag Award, which is now in its eleventh year, is an essential quality mark that every swimming pool, sports hall, fitness studio and gym facility in Ireland must strive to achieve and its presence is critical, in the absence of any government legislation.

Barry Walsh, President, ILAM said: “A White Flag is a visible sign that a swimming pool, gym or leisure facility is operating to high standard and is a safe place for adults and children to exercise. Consumers need to check that their gym or leisure centre has White Flag when joining or attending a leisure facility.”

The White Flag Awards are judged by an independent jury made up of experts from a number of nationally recognised organisations including Fáilte Ireland, the HSE, the Irish Hotels Federation, Consumer Association, Swim Ireland and Irish Water Safety. Judging is thorough and rigorous ensuring that fitness, gym instructors and lifeguards are fully qualified, facilities are safe, clean and hygienic; and that equipment is maintained correctly

The White Flag is a quality standard with key criteria classified under a number headings including facility interior, exterior & grounds; staff training and qualifications, disability access and provision, cleanliness and hygiene; operations; environmental management; water quality and treatment and education information.   Each leisure facility must have safe and easy access, qualified and trained staff in fitness, gym, sports, swimming and spa pool and all areas, good health & safety procedures and follow industry codes of practice.