Policy Details Page

Regulation 6510.2R

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Swimming Pool Supervision

Swimming pools must have the following personnel:

1. A swimming instructor or coach;
2. A lifeguard on duty whenever the pool is used for class instruction or recreational swimming. (Swim instructors or coaches may substitute for lifeguards); and
3. Water treatment operator to insure the pool meets health standards.

Personnel training as follows:

1. Swimming instructors must have the following certificates:
   1. Current Red Cross Water Safety Instructor Certificate;
   2. Current Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate (includes First Aid and CPR for the Professional Rescuer [CPRO]); and
   3. Annual update on CPRO.
2. Lifeguards shall maintain current certificates in the following:
   1. Current Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate (includes First Aid and CPR0); or
   2. Other training the health department may determine equivalent
3. Swim coaches substituting for lifeguards with swim or water polo teams must have the following certificates:
   1. Safety Training for Swim Coaches through American Red Cross (ARC); and
   2. Current Red Cross Lifeguard Training Certificate (includes First Aid and CPRO); or
   3. Other training the health department determines equivalent.

Student assistants (supporting a swimming instructor, coach, or lifeguard) who do not have a Lifeguard Training Certificate shall not be expected to perform swimming rescues, but must have been trained in the following areas:

1. Scanning techniques around the pool;
2. Reaching and throwing assists;
3. Water Safety First Aid.
   1. Safety procedures to be used around the diving board and the diving area;
   2. Safety procedures to be followed on the deck area;
   3. Proper care of neck and back injuries; and
   4. Treatment for shock.

Persons shall be exempt from having current CPR or standard first aid certificates if they hold certificates in the following:

1. Community CPR in the place of adult, single rescue CPR;
2. In the place of standard first aid:
   1. Advanced first aid;
   2. First responder;
   3. Emergency medical technician; or
   4. Paramedic.
3. Other training the health department recognizes as equivalent or exceeding current requirements.
4. Water treatment operators must have specific knowledge in maintaining pool facilities and meet health department standards for training and certification.

Emergency equipment – the following emergency and first aid equipment will be available at swimming pool sites:

1. A telephone with a prominently displayed list of emergency medical service response numbers;
2. Sufficient and suitable area to accommodate people and equipment needed to provide first aid treatment;
3. Standard twenty-four unit first aid kit;
4. Two or more blankets;
5. Backboard with means to secure victim to board and provide immobilization of head, neck, and back;
6. Rescue pole twelve feet or more in length;
7. Double-crook life hook.
8. Throwing ring buoy with rope length equal to the width of the pool.
9. Rescue tube or rescue buoy at the life guard station; and
10. Lifeguard chair adjacent to the deep area of the pool.

Signs using any combination of words, pictures, or symbols will be posted to convey the following:

1. Prohibition of running or horseplay;
2. Prohibition of use by persons with communicable diseases;
3. Prohibition of use by persons under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
4. Requirements for cleansing shower before entering the pool;
5. Warning that persons refusing to obey the regulations are subject to removal from the premises;
6. Prohibition of food or drink in the pool water.
7. Location of nearest telephone for emergency notification; and
8. No diving in shallow water.

Diving and Swimming Pool Rules will be established and posted at each pool. The rules will include the following:

1. Lifeguards must be obeyed;
2. No swimming when lifeguard is not on duty;
3. No running on the pool deck;
4. No pushing, pulling, or interfering with the learning or safety of any individual.
5. No using equipment in pool unless instructed to do so.
6. No children age seven and under unless accompanied by an adult.
7. Check below the diving board before diving;
8. One person on the diving board at a time;
9. No double bouncing on the board;
10. Dive from the end of the board only and swim to nearest wall/ladder; and
11. No back dives or somersaults from side of pool.

Safety inspection – the instructor or coach will perform a safety check to insure:

1. Lifeguards have training in basic water safety skills;
2. Rules are posted;
3. The water depth is sufficient for diving;
4. Depth markings are proper and legible;
5. Surfaces are not slippery or sharp;
6. Projecting objects are removed or reported to appropriate personnel.
7. Floating or underwater obstructions are removed or reported to appropriate personnel;
8. Sufficient lighting is present;
9. Water is not turbid;
10. Bleachers are safe; and
11. Proper safety equipment is available.

Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Procedures:

1. A. In cases of serious accidents or if there is a need for resuscitator equipment:
   1. Call the Tacoma Fire Department, 911 or 9-911, and be prepared to give the address;
   2. State the exact location of the pool, including building name or number and nature of the accident.
   3. Give artificial respiration, CPR, or first aid if necessary until the emergency unit arrives and takes over;
   4. Do not move the person unless absolutely necessary. Do not transport the injured in a private vehicle. Notify the building principal as soon as possible;
   5. Try to contact parent or nearest relative to explain the situation, and tell where the injured has been taken as soon as possible; and
   6. Complete an accident report.
2. In cases of drowning or near drowning:
   1. Rescue the victim in distress;
   2. Begin resuscitation or CPR immediately if necessary;
   3. Continue as long as necessary or until a doctor or the official relieving agency takes over as outlined in the EAP;
   4. A staff member will immediately call as outlined in the EAP. The person calling will identify himself or herself, being sure to give the pool and the address. Notify the building administration as soon as possible;
   5. Staff should also ensure that the driveway is open so that emergency vehicles can back up the driveway. Drive all cars away from the entrance;
   6. Clear the pool of all swimmers. Have the swimmers remain on the opposite side of the pool from where the victim is being treated. One person should supervise for the purpose of keeping order and also keeping the crowd away from the victim;
   7. As soon as emergency aid arrives, try to locate the parents or nearest relative of the injured and explain what has occurred and where the injured has been taken; and
   8. It shall be the responsibility of the person in charge (instructor, coach, etc.) to complete the accident report immediately after the accident. Fill it out completely; secure the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of any witnesses. Explain what the staff was doing at the time of occurrence, what was done for the victim, etc.

Approved 3/19/02