SV27 - Supervising Isolated Areas

Purpose

To provide guidance on the supervision of isolated areas at an aquatic facility

Description

Isolated areas should be checked and inspected regularly to:

• Ensure that the number of patrons which can be safely accommodated is not exceeded (in areas such saunas and steam rooms).
• Ensure the safety of patrons.
• Ensure that patrons are observing appropriate standards of behaviour.

Further considerations for ‘wet’ areas such as saunas, steam rooms, and changing rooms include:

• Hygiene and cleanliness
• Maintenance issues
• The likelihood of assault and theft

Frequency and Nature of Supervision

Areas such as change rooms and toilets should be checked and inspected at a minimum of 30 to 60 minutes at random intervals.

Staff undertaking the inspections are not required to be pool lifeguard qualified. However appropriately trained staff should be able to respond in case of an emergency.

For ‘wet” areas, such as saunas and steam rooms, the frequency of checks should increase to a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes at random intervals.

Inspections should be recorded on a checklist that includes but is not limited to:

• Date and time of inspection
• Activities during inspection
• Name of inspector

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 SU8 Supervision of Changing/Toilet Areas, Issue 3, November 1997
• Guideline SU8 Supervision of Changing/Toilet Areas, Issue 2, 1 July 1996
• Guideline RS11 Supervision of Changing/Toilet Areas, Issue 1, August 1991