Public Swimming Pools
Swimming Safety
Public swimming pools are a great place for you and your family to enjoy a great afternoon. Before going you need to know their swimming pool rules and regulations to have a safe outing.When you and your family go swimming in public a pool or use a hot tub or spa, the pool operator/manager has an obligation to ensure a safe facility.
Swimming Pool Regulations Your local health department working with your local public pools needs to ensure that all pools have: An approved bathing safety protocolCorrect and experienced supervisionFirst Aid kit and properly working equipment Proper use of chemicals and timely readingsProper miantenance and operation of filtration equipmentThis is just a summary and in no way allows for any legal advice. You may want to check with your local health department for a complete summary for pools in your area. Public swimming pools should be operated and maintained so there are no public health risks. This list will give you a good run-down of what you may expect. - Provide trained lifeguards or adequate supervision
- Provide the proper disinfectant levels
- Continuously operate the swimming pool’s filtration systems
I believe most public swimming pools must filter 24/7 - Use a clean water supply to fill and top-off the swimming pool
- Keep electrical circuits or wiring 10 feet or more from swimming pool
- Maintain emergency lighting
- Keep all lifesaving equipment on the swimming pool deck and within reach
- Keep the pool drain visible
- Depth markings must be clearly posted
- Provide and maintain an enclosure or safety fence around the pool to prevent non-use access
- Properly maintain drain grate and repair any broken or missing parts
- Reduce overcrowding. 2 or more lifegaurds should be on duty during busy times.
- Glass or sharp objects should not be permited in or around the deck area
Some hotels may or may not have trained lifeguards or other forms of supervision so please ask before swimming.
Operators of public swimming pools should: Proper disinfection the swimming pool with
pool chlorine
or another kind of sanitizerTake accurate readings and measurements of chemicals using the right kind of
water testing kit
Understand the proper use of all chemicals Controll the cleanliness of the swimming areaSupply supervisory personnel Report injuries, deaths and communicable diseases to the proper authoritiesMaintain a clean and neat facility Be sure all equipment is working properly including fresh air supply, air circulation, and ventilation
Some Swimming Pool Safety Rules:Always have adult supervision when children are swimming. Child water safety is always first. - Instruct any babysitter on the dangers of leaving a child unattended
- During a large swimming party, always have an adult as the “watcher”. Never assume someone is watching while children are in or near a pool
Also, never assume that the lifeguard on duty will always catch everything all the time. - Just because your child may know how to swim, never assume he is
"drown-proof"
- Pregnant women should consult their physician before using a Hot Tub or Sauna
- Stay only up to 15 minutes in a Hot Tub or spa
- Children under 6 should not use the Hot Tub or spa
- Stay out of a pool or Hot Tub if you have a communicable disease
- Be sure your local public swimming pool has proper life saving devices, i.e. shepherds hook, life vests, rescue tubes, and other rescue and life saving equipment near the pool
- Learn CPR/First Aid
If you entrust a babysitter or caregiver to take your children swimming besure she has CPR/First Aid training and understands everything about
swimming safety.
As you can see there is much that goes into keeping public swimming pools safe for its members and patrons. When properly cared for and maintained they offer you family a great way to have fun.
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