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Pool Safety Guidance Index

Jan 21, 2021

INDEX

This index is gradually being retired as individual pages are created on key topics. The index supports swimming pool safety professionals working in the leisure environment to find guidance related to their work.

Use the Ctrl + F function or navigate the alphabetical index to find the guidance you are looking for. On your mobile, use Find on Page in your browser menu options.

Domestic pool

A domestic pool is defined by law as one with domestic usage. A pool is not per se public or domestic. Guidance for domestic pools lies primarily in EN 16713. Most of HSG179 does not represent the current standard for domestic pools, even as a recommendation.

(BS EN 16582-1:2015, Domestic swimming pools. General requirements including safety and test methods; BS EN 16582-2:2015. Domestic swimming pools. Specific requirements, including safety and test methods for inground pools; BS EN 16582-3:2015. Domestic swimming pools. Specific requirements including safety and test methods for aboveground pools; EN 16713-1:2016. Domestic swimming pools. Water systems. Part 1 Filtration systems. Requirements and test methods; EN 16713-2:2016. Domestic swimming pools. Water systems. Circulation systems. Requirements and test methods; EN 16713-3:2016. Domestic swimming pools. Water systems. Water treatment. Requirements).

Equipment checks (repairs and maintenance)

You must check your rescue and other equipment at your pool. No check interval is specified, and an account of any requirements from the manufacturer (including subsequent safety alerts) should be taken. You should also check "Daily Checks" above.

Maintenance intervals, remedial works and required competency for those using, repairing, or maintaining equipment as informed by the manufacturer's instructions, national regulations, and risk assessment. No intervals are specified by EN 15288-2.

Qualification requirements apply to underwater divers who repair pool tiles (EN ISO 15618-1 and EN ISO 15618-2). The HSE Medical Examination and Assessment of commercial divers apply to those who dive as part of their job. There are five Approved Codes of Practice established by the Diving at Work Regulations 1997, the links to which are included below.

(Clauses 7.7.3 and 7.7.8. EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 Safety requirements for operation; EN ISO 15618-1:2016. Qualification testing of welders for underwater welding. Hyperbaric wet welding; EN ISO 15618-2:2002. Qualification testing of welders for underwater welding. Diver-welders and welding operators for hyperbaric dry welding; HSE. 2015. The medical examination and assessment of commercial divers. MA1, revision 4; HSE. 2014. Commercial diving projects offshore. Diving at Work Regulations 1997. Approved code of practice and guidance. L103, second edition; HSE. 2014 Commercial diving projects inland/inshore. Diving at Work Regulations 1997. Approved code of practice and guidance L104, second edition; HSE. 2014. Recreational diving projects. Diving at Work Regulations 1997. Approved code of practice. L105, second edition; HSE. 2014. Media diving projects. Diving at Work Regulations 1997. Approved code of practice and guidance. L106, second edition; HSE. 2014. Scientific and archaeological diving projects. Diving at Work Regulations 1997. Approved code of practice. L107, second edition).

FloatFit^®

FloatFit^®is a product of Aqua Physical Limited. Guidance on safe use, setup and instructor standards should be sought from Aqua Physical.

Aqua Physical. Web. Available at: https://www.aquaphysical.com/intellectual-property accessed 23rd January 2021.

Inflatable play equipment

Consideration should be given to the additional impact hazard presented to swimmers falling from the inflatable onto anchorage lane lines. Inflatable play may reduce visibility from your allocated positions for poolside supervision, which may require additional lifeguards to be deployed, allocated positions to be adjusted, lifeguards to be required to patrol, underwater lighting to be installed, or camera technology to overcome these challenges. Care should be taken to review the appropriate water depth for diving, jumping or falling across the full length of the inflatable (even where prohibited by the operator). How weaker swimmers use the inflatable to access deeper water should be considered.

Where a continuous-flow blower is used to sustain full inflation, the relevant requirements around the use of electrical equipment on the poolside should be reviewed, in addition to PUWER 1998 and portable appliance testing (PAT). Trailing cables and additional matting used when the inflatable sessions are run may also add additional trip and slip hazards, respectively. Session duration may also be shorter to reduce the hazards of fatigued lifeguards and pool users in inflatable sessions. Adjust your rotation and maximum poolside working time requirements for lifeguards accordingly.

In the event of an inflatable collapse, panic, entrapment, and drowning risk is present. Consideration should be given to evacuating the pool and initiating rescues in these circumstances. You should reflect on any adjustments you may need to make to the maximum number of users permitted physically on the inflatable at any one time in light of your rescue capability in circumstances where the inflatable was to collapse.

Infection, particularly Pseudomonas Aeruginosa, should also be part of your hygiene controls for pool equipment, such as inflatable play. PWTAG and the RSPH produce documents on this topic. The guidance from PIPA and ADiPs should also be reviewed. Consideration should be given as to whether the fairground requirements apply.

(Paragraphs 170-171. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition; EN 14960-1:2019. Inflatable play equipment. Safety requirements and test methods; EN 14960-3:2020. Inflatable play equipment. Additional safety requirements and test methods; PWTAG. 2019. Notes on the hygiene of pool play equipment. TN29; HSE. 2017. Fairgrounds and amusement parks. Guidance on safe practice. HSG175, third edition).

(Safety) Information and signage

All pools can be made safer by making pool users aware of potential hazards and how to stay safe. Swimming and non-swimming areas should be marked. Diving and non-diving areas should be marked. Emergency routes, access to unauthorised areas, and activities with age or height restrictions should be marked. Operators should communicate relevant safety information to pool users and have available to them a variety of means, including:

Their employees
Facility/pool rules
Safety signage
Emergency and warning signals
Contracts
Plans/maps of the facility
Leaflets
Website, social media, operator app, and other public information systems

Critical information may include age requirements, responsible adult requirements, depth markings, gradient markings, pool rules, diving areas, how to summon assistance etc. These requirements should be:

Located, positioned, or drawn to the attention of pool users
Use a text, colour, and language suitable for the specific pool user audience (including those under 18).
Use recognised safety iconography, colour markings, or similar devices to improve effectiveness.
Be planned at the design stage and reviewed periodically based on their performance.

(Paragraphs 58-60, 73-75. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition; ISO 7010:2020, Graphical symbols. Safety colours and safety signs. Registered safety signs; Clause 5.4, EN 15288-1:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 1 safety requirements for design; Clause 9.1-9.2.6. EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 safety requirements for operation).

Lane swimming

Aspects to consider in your risk assessment include lane width (typically 2-2.5 metres), swimmer age, swimmer activity (recreational, competitive, competition etc.), swimmer speed of travel, stroke (typically 2.5-metre+ lane width required for fly and breaststroke when swimming in a single circuit).

Swim England. 2017. A guide to lane swimming management. June 2017; EN 13451-5:2014, Swimming pool equipment. Part 5 additional specific safety requirements and test methods for lane lines and dividing lines.

Minimum competency for lifeguards

Who is a lifeguard, and what should they be able to do?

(Paragraphs 128-140. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition; Clause 7.4.1 - 7.4.2. EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 safety requirements for operation; NICE. 2016. Spinal injury. Assessment and initial management. NG41; Pages 127-129. ERC. Cardiac arrest in special circumstances. Part 8. Chapter 12).

Mono-fins/mermaid tails

Mono-fins bind both feet and lower legs inside a single fin.

(Planet Mermaid. Web. Planet Mermaid rules are designed to keep you and others safe whilst having excellent fun. Available at Link accessed 23 January 2021; Fin Fun. Web. Mermaid tail safety. Available at Link accessed 23 January 2021; EN 71-1:2014+A1:2018. Safety of toys. Mechanical and physical properties; RLSS UK. Web. The nation's mini-mermaids and sharks are set to benefit from FIN2FIT's partnership with the UK's drowning prevention charity. Available at: link accessed 23 January 2021; RLSS Western Australia. 2018. Mermaid tail and fin products. Available at: link accessed 23 January 2021; STA. 2020. STA and Mermaids UK launch the industry's first regulated qualification for mermaid and mono-fin swimming. Available at link accessed 23 January 2021; Mini-mermaids. Web. Available at link accessed 23 January 2021; RLSS Australia. Mermaid tails & monofins. Fact Sheet 30; IOS. 2019. Institute of Swimming and Fin2Fit collaborate to deliver children's mono-fin mermaid and shark lessons. Available from link accessed 23 January 2021).

Noise

Indoor swimming pools can experience high sound pressure levels which exceed 85 dB(A). Guidance is provided in EN 15288-1, but the HSE guidance is generally more detailed and provides a better base for those pools in England, Wales, and Scotland. HSENI provides similar, less detailed guidance.

(Clause 5.7.7.1-5.7.7.3. EN 15288-1:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 1 safety requirements for design; HSE. 2005. Controlling noise at work. L108; HSE. 2008. Sound advice. Control of noise at work in music and entertainment. HSG260; HSE. 2012. Noise at work. A brief guide to controlling the risks. INDG362, revision 2; HSE; HSE. 2012. Noise, Don't lose your hearing. INDG 363, revision 2).

Ongoing (refresher) training

The competency of employers and employees is critical to mitigating the effect of actions or omissions which cause injury to another. Everyone in the workplace should therefore value the important role and risk mitigation competent staff provide, alongside the benefits which arise from qualified, confident employees who serve your customers.

There is no specified frequency for ongoing training in HSG179 or EN 15288. However, some aspects of guidance recommend defined frequencies for the continuous training of those providing poolside supervision, namely CPR, AED, and spinal injury management. The main requirements of continuing training are contained in EN15288-2 and HSG179.

EN 15288-2 states that ongoing training should be recorded at appropriate intervals. Lifeguards should practise their techniques as often as is necessary to maintain competency. HSG179 provides minimum content of continuing training in Paragraph 146. This includes the need to be site-specific and respond to the performance of employees who attend the training.

Trainers should ensure they are not coaching staff through the assessment elements of ongoing training but instead focus on designing a programme that addresses the root cause of the individual's competency maintenance needs. Duties should be suitably restricted and supervised until competency has been re-acquired and demonstrated. A sample ongoing training programme can be obtained from the RLSS UK and STA via the links below. These should be adapted to accommodate all the elements of the health and safety management system, which rely on the competency of your employees as a risk mitigation measure. A one-size-fits-all approach may or may not be sufficient for a single site or across a group of sites; your employee's performance in ongoing training will inform your decisions about the frequency of activity and whether specific individuals need more frequent training. These needs may change over time, so you need to monitor the results of your employees.

You should include the provider/trainer of ongoing training and your own needs as part of your approach to the competency of your team. Management should monitor the training provider of ongoing training periodically (as defined by the operator) to ensure the training and assessment are carried out according to your ongoing training programme.

Resuscitation UK acknowledges that it is widely accepted that skills decay within three to six months after initial training relying on a CPR training effectiveness 2010 study by Soar et al. Frequent “low-dose” training may improve CPR skills compared with conventional training strategies. Resus UK supports blended approaches to training, including skills and knowledge top-up via online or e-learning, providing practical skills are adequately assessed.

(Paragraphs 129, 136, 139-146, 277. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition; Clause 7.4.6. EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 safety requirements for operation; RLSS UK. Web. Sample ongoing training and competency assessment for pool lifeguards. Available at: https://www.rlss.org.uk/hsg179 accessed 17th January 2021; STA. Web. Online learning. Available at: https://www.safetytrainingawards.co.uk/online-learning/ accessed 17th January 2021; Section 4-5. Resuscitation Council UK. 2014. Guidelines for education and implementation of resuscitation. Available at: https://www.resus.org.uk/library/2015-resuscitation-guidelines/education-and-implementation-resuscitation accessed 19th January 2021).

Play equipment (non-inflatable)

(PWTAG. 2019. Notes on the hygiene of pool play equipment. TN29; EN ISO 25649-1:2017. Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water. Classification, materials, general requirements and test methods; EN ISO 25649-2:2017. Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water. Consumer information; EN ISO 25649-3:2017. Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class A devices; EN ISO 25649-4:2017. Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class B devices; EN ISO 25649-5:2017. Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class C devices; EN ISO 25649-6:2017. Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class D devices; EN ISO 25649-7:2017. Floating leisure articles for use on and in the water. Additional specific safety requirements and test methods for Class E devices).

Pool parties

The hazards and guidance related to pool parties will depend on the activities inside and outside the pool. RLSS Australia has produced a short fact sheet specifically on pool parties which may provide an introduction to the issues to consider.

(RLSS Australia. Children's pool party safety. Fact sheet 28).

Pool surround

A "pool surround" is the walkable area around a pool basin associated with using it. EN 15288-1 specifies Type 1 and Type 2 pools comply with the minimum pool surround dimensions listed in Table 2; for Type 3 pools, Table 2 is recommended values. Generally, a 3-metre pool surround is to be provided. This should be adjusted based on any activities or alternative uses of the pool surround, such as the positioning of chairs and/or sunbeds. The primary purpose of these requirements is to ensure visibility and access to the pool are not impeded, especially where a rescue is required.

(Clause 5.8.1 and Table 2, EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 safety requirements for operation).

Pool type

EN 15288-2 specifies a classification system which involves three swimming pool types:

Type 1: Pool where the water-related activities are the main business (e.g. communal pools, leisure pools, water parks) and whose use is “public” according to 3.4.

Type 2: Pool is an additional service to the main business (e.g. hotel pools, campsite pools, club pools, therapeutic pools, school pools) whose use is “public”, according to 3.4.

Type 3: All public use pools according to 3.4 except Type 1 and Type 2 pools.

This approach is adopted in the HSE publication Managing Safety in Swimming Pools (HSG179).

(Clause 4.1-4.3. EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 safety requirements for operation; Paragraph 8. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition).

Pool and spa water

The effectiveness of pool water distribution should be evaluated according to the dye test specified in Annex A (EN 15288-1). HSG282 is a good starting point for spa water safety guidance. PWTAG provides a Code of Practice, a book called Swimming pool water treatment and quality standards for pools and spas (2017) and a range of guidance notes on the following areas (others are listed under their relevant topic area):

Sport England provides in Appendix 2 of its Design Note Guidance further guidance on servicing the building (2013). More detailed guidance on legionella can be found in the main bodies, which include: the Water Management Society (WMS), the Chartered Institute of Building Service Engineers (CIBSE), and Legionella Control Association (LCA). The WMS provides a focussed legionella specialist training pathway widely adopted in the UK. Guidance on pool water testing and training is available from various bodies in the sector. We will detail the contents of a Pool Technical Operational Procedures (PTOP) on another page.

(Paragraphs 236-239, 260-261, 263-269, 283. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition; Clause 6. EN 15288-1:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 1 safety requirements for design; PWTAG. 2019. Code of practice. The management and treatment of swimming pool water; PWTAG. 2017. Swimming pool water treatment and quality standards for pools and spas. 3rd edition; HSE. 2018. Control of legionella and other infectious agents in spa-pool systems. HSG282; HSE. 2013. Legionnaires' disease. The control of legionella bacteria in water systems. Approved code of practice. L8, fourth edition; HSE. 2014. Legionnaires' disease. Technical guidance. HSG274, parts 1, 2, and 3; Sport England. 2013. Servicing the building (Appendix 2, revision 4).

Public use

A pool is for "public use" if it is not designated solely for the owners'/proprietor/operator's family and guests independently from paying an entrance fee.

(Clause 3.5. EN 15288-2:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 2 safety requirements for operation).

Rapids and (slow and fast) rivers

Consideration should be given by operators in their risk assessment to access controls, the effect of increased water flow rates on weaker swimmers, and the reduced visibility presented by faster-flowing water.

(Paragraphs 167-169. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition).

Slip resistance

The HSE testing approach and guidance exceed the standard required by EN 15288-1 and should be preferred. Table 1 in EN 15288-1 shows examples of typical pool surfaces and a potentially appropriate level of slip resistance. The HSE's slip potential model sets out factors which cause people to slip and extend beyond the floor's physical slip resistance. Special care should be taken in swimming pools to note the lighting and handrail requirements for wet floors, especially in dimly lit areas such as hotel, club and spa pools. Matting is not a panacea for reducing slip accidents and should be carefully risk assessed, implemented, and monitored. The role of signage, congestion, footwear, and direction of travel are also essential elements of consideration. Weather should also be considered where the pool is accessed via an external entrance or outdoors. Staff footwear should be considered by reference to the HSE's GRIP tool.

EN 15288-2 includes an example of a slip assessment. You should design your slip risk assessment to meet the HSE guidelines, which will typically mean exceeding what is contained in EN 15288-2.

See special rules for "Non-swimmer areas."

(Paragraph 230. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition; Clause 5.6.2-, EN 15288-1:2018 Swimming pools for public use. Part 1 safety requirements for design; BS 7976-1:2002+A1:2013. Pendulum testers. Specification; BS 7976-2:2002+A1:2013. Pendulum testers. Method of operation; BS 7976-3:2002+A1:2013. Pendulum testers. Method of calibration; EN ISO 13287:2019. Personal protective equipment. Footwear. Test method for slip resistance; EN ISO 20345:2011. Personal protective equipment. Safety footwear; EN ISO 20346:2014. Personal protective equipment. Protective footwear; EN ISO 20347:2012. Personal protective equipment. Occupational footwear; BS 8445:2012. Bath and shower mats. Testing. Assessment of slip resistance properties; BS 5385-3:2014. Wall and floor tiling. Design and installation of internal and external ceramic and mosaic floor tiling in normal conditions. Code of practice; ISO 13007-2:2013. Ceramic tiles. Grouts and adhesives. Test methods for adhesives; BS 4592-0:2006+A1:2012; Flooring, stair treads and handrails for industrial use. Common design requirements and recommendations for installation; EN 14837:2006. Surfaces for sports areas. Determination of slip resistance; EN 16837:2018. Surfaces for sports areas. Determination of linear shoe/surface friction; DIN 51097:1992. Determination of anti-slip properties. Wet loaded barefoot areas. Walking method. Ramp test; HM Government. 2013. The Building Regulations 2010. Protection from falling, collision, and impact. Approved Document K; HSE. 2012. Assessing the slip resistance of flooring. A technical information sheet. GEIS2; HSE. 2013. Workplace, health, safety, and welfare. ACOP. L24, second edition; HSE. Web. GRIP ratings for slip resistance footwear. Link; HSE. 2007. Slips and trips mapping tool. An aid for safety representatives. Link. HSE. 2005. Slips and trips. The importance of floor cleaning information sheet. MISC691; HSE. 2005. Preventing slips and trips at work. INDG225, revision 1).

Sun protection (glasses, cream, clothing, hydration)

(ISO 12312-1:2013+A1:2015, Eye and face protection. Sunglasses and related eyewear. Part 1 sunglasses for general use; HSE. 2019. Keep your top on. Health risks from working in the sun. INDG147; HSE. 1998. Sun protection. INDG337, revision 1; Cancer research. Web. Sun, UV, and cancer. Live webpage).

Swimming lessons

The operator risk assessment will determine the appropriate number of pupils per teacher. Various factors should be considered, such as the teacher's competency, the swimming ability and needs of the pupils, the water temperature and other factors. Swim England has published a guidance document called Safe Supervision in swimming pools (web) which sets out a recognised approach to ratios in swimming lesson environments and can be accessed via the link below.

Where swimming lessons are provided to under 5s in early years settings (EYFS, 2014), the DoE have a statutory code of practice specifying teacher-to-pupil ratios. Care should be taken to review this guidance. Where EYFS and the Swim England guidance apply, the smaller ratio should be applied.

Swim England (2017) provide guidance on swimming teacher maximum working time to ensure the concentration and safety of those they are responsible for:

"A series of three 2¼-hour sessions with three 15-minute breaks would ensure swimming teacher workers and their customers are not put at risk. Other combinations may be of equal validity.

Working periods of over 2½ hours on the poolside are probably excessive even when the type of swimming lesson requires low input and the pool hall environment is benign and the lesson structures should allow for at least one short break."

Swim England (2017) also provides guidance on the responsibilities of operators, teachers and coaches for children using the changing rooms before, during and after their lessons.

(Paragraphs 102-104. HSE. 2018. Health and safety in swimming pools. HSG179, 4th edition; PAS 81:2011. Specification for the management of a swimming school; DoE .2017. Statutory framework for the early years foundation stage. Setting the standards for learning, development and care from birth to five. EYFS 2014; The Early Years Foundation Stage (Learning and Development Requirements) Order 2007; Swim England. Web. Safe supervision in swimming pools. Available at: https://www.swimming.org/swimengland/worker-health-and-safety accessed 17th January 2021; STA. 2014. Guidelines on Swimming Teaching Where the Teacher is in the Water. June 2014; STA. 2016. Baby swimming policy. April 2016; Swim England. 2017. How long should a Swimming Teacher work on the poolside without a break? June 2017; Swim England. 2017. Supervision of swimming club children in changing areas. June 2017; Swim England. 2017. Teaching in the water and the handling of children. June 2017).

Tumble turns

Swim England provide guidance on the risks, appropriate water depth, and pool features which can improve the safety of those performing a tumble turn in programmed sessions. There is no equivalent benchmark for unprogrammed sessions with the same risks.

"Adult elite swimmers will find it harder to execute a tumble turn in 0.9-metres of water depth, whereas young children between approximately 8 years and 12 years will find they have much more room for manoeuvre in 0.9-metres of water even though their skill is less.

So although there is some general guidance that indicates that tumble turns are generally
performed (and learned) in 0.9-metres of water and above, a risk assessment can decide that younger children can learn to perform tumble turns in lesser depths; this is comparable with children learning to do somersaults and other water skills in equivalent lesser depths down to 0.75-metres in learner pools. Conversely, older Masters Swimmers returning to swimming or starting to swim regularly may require greater depths than 0.9 metres to learn to tumble turn safely.

Finally, tumble turns should always be taught off a raised end rather than a deck level pool edge to minimise the risk of ‘over swimming’ the end or miscalculating where the end of the pool is."

(Swim England. 2017. Guidance on the performance of tumble turns. June 2017).

Water polo goals

EN 13451-7:2001, Swimming pool equipment. Part 7 additional specific safety requirements and test methods for water polo goals.

Citation: Jacklin, D. 2023. The pool safety guidance index. Water Incident Research Hub, 21 January 2021; updated 21 July.

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