Posted By Ken Taylor
Here are some notes I have on this subject - including an extract from the former HSE/Sports Council publication :
‘Constant supervision by lifeguards provides the best assurance of pool user’s safety. It is recognised that there are some cases where constant supervision will not be ‘reasonably practicable’. Before deciding this, pool operators should carefully consider all relevant circumstances: the nature of the pool, pool users, and activities in the pool at the particular time.
Generally speaking, constant poolside supervision is less likely to be essential where all the following conditions are met:
(a) the pool is relatively small and used by limited numbers at any one time; and
(b) the nature of the relationship between pool management (or activity organiser), and the pool user, make it practicable to enforce ‘house rules’ for safe behaviour by pool users, and ensure that these are followed. Examples are the various types of private facility mentioned in paragraph 160(d) provided access is suitably restricted, eg to hotel residents and their guests, or hospital patients and staff; and certain conditions of swimming club use; and
(c) there is no diving or other poolside equipment, or other features, posing particular risks.
Whether constant poolside supervision is required also depends on how a pool is used at any given time. For example, a pool which would not normally require poolside supervision, may need to arrange this on occasions when:
(a) the pool will be used by unaccompanied children (aged under 15);
(b) exceptionally crowded conditions are expected:
(c) food or alcohol will be available to pool users; or
(d) activities (such as disco-swimming) take place which can lead to additional risks through the high excitement generated.
On the other hand, a pool which normally has lifeguards present, may not need them when hired by a club whose members are all strong swimmers, and some of whom can be expected to have lifesaving skills.
Precautions where constant poolside supervision is not provided
General safety procedures. A clear written safety procedure is particularly important where a pool may be used without constant poolside supervision......
Controlling access. In addition to the general recommendations for controlling access (...), it is important that intended restrictions on use are enforced. Where lone bathing is permitted, it is advisable to control entering and leaving so that management know who is using the pool at any given time.
Emergency arrangements. It is strongly recommended that these should include:
(a) a poolside alarm or telephone, to summon help in an emergency;
(b) suitable rescue equipment (poles, lifebelts) available by the poolside, and clearly identifiable;
(c) a notice displayed telling bathers how to summon help in an emergency.
Whenever the pool is in use, a member of staff should be designated as ‘on call’ to deal with any emergency. It is advisable that such staff be trained in rescue, resuscitation and first aid.’
Other factors to consider from the same publication include:
1. Duty of care of the occupier, person in control and employer.
2. First aid provision and emergency arrangements, including means of summoning help.
3. The fact that ‘all pools’ are said to ‘require some measure of supervision to promote safety when in use’.
4. Prevention of unauthorised access (‘by physical barriers, supervision or both’).
5. Control of maximum admissions where there is a risk of this being exceeded (approx. 3 m² / bather).
6. Need to monitor water clarity constantly.
7. Arrangements for monitoring water quality.
8. Written operating procedure.
9. Need for specific supervision of areas where alcohol may be consumed.
10. Need for two people to recover a casualty from the water.
11. Configuration of the pool and separate or ‘hidden areas’.