SV23 - Supervision of Pools with Moveable Floors and Booms
| Issue Date | Effective Date | Version |
|---|---|---|
| 20/01/2018 | 01/09/2019 | 1.0 |
Purpose
To provide guidance to Lifeguards in providing safe supervision of pools with moveable equipment.
Definition
Moveable equipment includes but is not limited to Moveable floors and booms that are located within the water of a pool.
Pools with Moveable Floors
Swimming pools with moveable floors may require an increased level of supervision due to their flexible use and the changing depths.
Depth Signage
Depth signage must not be obscured and should be visible from all pool entry points.
Depth signage must be accurate and as such should be regularly checked, and where necessary, calibrated.
Varying Depth
While the depth of the pool is in the process of change (moving of the floor):
People should be away from the pool edge and the pool wall if allowed to remain on the floor.
Constant and direct supervision of the pool and surrounding concourse must be maintained.
Depth signage should change simultaneously with the pool depth.
It is recommended that the pool be vacated while the floor is being placed in a sloping profile.
Floors at Water Surface
Pool floors which can move to the surface of the water need special precautions.
The floor may not be flush with the surrounding concourse and create a small step or lip upon which patrons may trip or fall.
A slip-resistance of at least B grade is recommended.
People should not be allowed off or onto the floor until it is stationary.
People should be aware of and not trip on the grab rails normally used for deep water exits. Removable grab rails may be more appropriate in this instance.
Pools with Moveable Booms (Bulkheads)
Positioning
Ideally the repositioning of a boom should be carried out when the pool is free of people.
An electrically controlled moveable boom should only be moved when the pool is free of people.
The boom should be correctly anchored in place when in situ.
For pools with either singular or multiple booms, each body of water should be able to be supervised giving consideration to potential blind spots.
Manually operated booms should include moving instructions consistent with current Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
References
- Lifeguarding, 3rd Edition 2001, The Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Mosby, Sydney
- 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
- Guide to Ontario Public Pools Regulation, 2nd Edition, 2004, Lifesaving Society, Toronto
Previous Versions
- Guideline SU15 Supervision of Pools with Moveable Floors, Issue 1, July 1996.
- Guideline SU16 Supervision of Pools with Moveable Booms (Bulkheads), Issue 1, July 1996.
