SV22 - Supervision of Inflatable Play Equipment
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SV22 - Supervision of Inflatable Play Equipment

Issue Date Effective Date Version
20/01/2018 01/09/2019 1.0

Purpose

To provide guidance in the use and supervision of in-pool inflatable play equipment.

Description

There are many variables associated with the use of in-pool inflatable play equipment. Each situation is unique given the design of the inflatable equipment, the pool it is being used in and how the equipment is being used. As a result, this Guideline has taken an overall risk management approach to the supervision and use of in-pool inflatable equipment.

All aquatic facilities that use in-pool inflatable equipment should conduct a detailed risk management assessment on the use of the inflatable equipment.

The risk management assessment should include, but not be limited to, the following points:

  1. Manufacturer’s instructions
  2. Depth(s) of water in which the inflatable is operated
  3. Likelihood of a person falling:
    • off the inflatable
    • onto the inflatable
    • into the water
    • onto the pool edges
  4. Design of the pool
  5. Design of the inflatable
  6. Physical size of the patrons
  7. Number of patrons using the inflatable or in its environments
  8. Physical ability of the patrons
  9. Operating procedures
  10. Water Clarity
  11. Clear vision by lifeguards of persons under the inflatable play equipment
  12. Supervision of the inflatable of the general area (including line of sight issues)
  13. Previous incidents in relation to the inflatable – either recorded or anecdotal

Where a facility operator assesses an unacceptable risk, the use of the relevant inflatable should cease immediately until an acceptable means of managing this activity is implemented.

References

  • Aquatic Facility Management, Fawcett P. 2005. Human Kinetics, Champaign.
  • AS/NZS 4360 Risk management 2004
  • Lifeguarding, 3rd Edition 2001, The Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Mosby, Sydney
  • Life Saving Victoria Position Statement 2004
  • Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools, 3rd Edition, 2003, Sport England Publications, Wetherby.
  • Swimming Pool Supervision Guidelines and Recommended Standard, 1996, Hillary Commission, Wellington
  • The Use of Play Equipment & Water Features in Swimming Pools, 1994, ISRM, Melton Mowbray

Previous Versions

  • Guideline SU13 Inflatable Play Equipment, Issue 2, July 1996
  • Guideline RS8 Inflatable Play Equipment, Issue 1, August 1991