SV24 - Supervision of Pool Concourse Areas

Purpose

To provide guidance to Lifeguards in providing safe access and egress on pool concourse areas in an aquatic environment.

Description

Pool Concourse areas are a frequent pathway for traffic in and around an aquatic environment that can cause injury if not adequately supervised by a Lifeguard.

A Lifeguard at an aquatic facility should adequately supervise the following aspects of the Pool Concourse to ensure that any slips, trips and falls are minimised as much as possible:

Running

Running by aquatic users on the Pool Concourse should not be encouraged and should be communicated and addressed with aquatic users on an as needs basis supported by the use of signage in key locations (See Guideline for Safe Pool Operations - Aquatic Signage AS15)

Known Changes in Gradient or Floor Surface Material

Changes in the gradient or floor surface material where there is an increased level of risk should be closely monitored by Lifeguards and where necessary temporary signage or mats may be placed to reduce the level of risk.

Restricted or Reduced Access/Egress

Areas that create a restricted or reduce egress pathway due to activity equipment, storage lockers or the like should be closely monitored by Lifeguards to ensure there is no overcrowding or the alternative pathways which cause an increased risk to an aquatic user to fall in the water.

Obstacles or Obstructions

Obstacles or obstructions that are on the pool concourse such as towels, spilled drink and personal equipment that have an increased risk of persons slipping or tripping should be closely monitored and where possible removed and/or isolated.

Climbing

Climbing on equipment (i.e. Pool Covers) that are located on or near the pool concourse should not be encouraged and should be communicated and addressed with aquatic users on an as needs basis supported by the use of signage in key locations (See Aquatic Signage).

Inadequate Drainage

Areas in which there is inadequate drainage either from the pool or other wet areas such as toilets, showers and kitchens should be closely monitored for an increased risk on slips, trips and falls and where possible removed and/or isolated.

These areas should also be supported by ‘slippery when wet’ signage.

Cleaning Areas

When a Pool Concourse area is being cleaned or maintained the section of the pool concourse should be isolated to aquatic users to prevent access or egress within then area.

References

• Aquatic Facility Management, Fawcett P. 2005. Human Kinetics, Champaign.
• Lifeguarding, 3rd Edition 2001, The Royal Life Saving Society Australia, Mosby, Sydney
• Safe Work Australia – Slips and Trips at the Workplace Factsheet