St. Albans School Sports Centre
Pool Safety Operating Procedure
Issue 5
Content:
The following procedure covers:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
Pool Normal Operating Plan Introduction
Details of the Pools
Potential Risk
Risk Assessment
Admissions Policy
Dealing with the Public
Communicating with Users
Dealing with Complaints
Pool Supervision- Duties and
Responsibilities
Lifeguards Fitness
Lifeguard Training
Lifeguard Uniform and Appearance
Maximum Bather Loads
Supervision of Programmed Sessions
Supervision of unprogrammed
sessions
Face masks, Fins and Snorkels
Bather Head Count
Lines of Supervision
Sessions
Pool Covers
Pool Hygiene
Supervision Zones + Glare
Work Rotation
June 14
24. Maximum Poolside Working Time
25. Controlling Access to the Pool
26. Work Instructions
27. First Aid Supplies and Training
28. Alarm Systems, Emergency
Equipment and Maintenance
Arrangements
29. Hire to Outside Organisations
30. Galas
31. Photography Policy
32. Minor Emergencies
33. Major Emergencies
34. Chemical Spill
35. Serious Injury to a Bather
36. Disabled Evacuation
37. Aquatic Spinal Cord Injury
38. Overcrowding
39. Lack of Water Clarity
40. Lighting Failure
41. Dealing with Blood, Vomit, Faecal
Fouling
42. Emergency Action Plan
43. Review of Procedure
44. internal / External Forms
45. Site Specific Work Instructions
46. Sources of Information
Page 1 of 22
Detail:
1.0 Pool Normal Operating Plan - Introduction
The activities of the pool and its users are governed by the Pool Safety Operating Procedures
(PSOP) which consists of the Pool Normal Operating Plan and the Pool Emergency Action Plan.
This is linked with the building Emergency Action Plan
It is the objective of St. Albans School to ensure that staff has the knowledge and training to
perform their duties in accordance with St. Albans School, Departmental and Section Policies,
current relevant Codes of Practices, and legislation applicable to the business.
This document outlines the normal procedures and processes required to operate St. Albans
School Sports Centre to provide a safe environment and high standard of customer service for
all users
The Sports Centre Manager has responsibility for the implementation of the PSOP.
The PSOP will be reviewed annually and revised if necessary:
 With the installation of new equipment
 After a major incident (e.g. accident requiring hospitalisation or near drowning)
 Following the identification of a trend of minor accidents.
 Structural change
Any revisions to the PSOP must be communicated to all staff and outside organisations:
 The Personnel responsible for H & S will deliver update training to Sports Centre staff,
teachers and external hirers using the pool. This training must be recorded.
 Outside organisation advising St. Albans School on H & S must be issued with an
updated copy of the procedure with a summary and explanation of the revisions.
All Sports Centre staff and Teachers must also receive annual update training on the PSOP.
2.0
Details of the Pools
Length
Width
Shallowest depth
Deepest depth
Number of lanes
Surface water area
Ideal water temperature
June 14
Main
25 m
13.0 m
1.0 m
2.0 m
6
325m2
28.5oC
Endless Pool
4.20m
2.05m
1.0m
1.0m
1
8.61 m2
28oC
Page 2 of 22
2.1 Plan of Pools (not to scale):-
Deep end
Shallow end
Length
4.2m
Width
2.05m
P
o
o
l
C
o
v
e
r
Width
13m
Length
25m
1m
First Aid room
Main Pool Depth
Endless Pool
2m
Panic Alarm
Fire alarm call point
Fire Exits
June 14
Rescue equipment
Page 3 of 22
3.0 Potential Risk
The Sports Centre Health & Safety personnel must ensure risk assessment of significant
hazards are carried out and identify appropriate control measures to include:
 Physical hazards relating to the pool design, structures and features, including access
to the pool
 People hazards – age, number and behaviour of bathers, users particularly at risk
 Activity hazards – hazards associated with each session type taking place in the pool
 Lifeguard hazards – hazards to staff who are lifeguarding and hazards created by
Lifeguards
The following hazards/risks have been factors in past deaths or serious injuries:
 Inadequate or inappropriate supervision
 Prior health problems (e.g. heart trouble, impaired hearing or sight, epilepsy)
 Alcohol or food before swimming
 Youth and inexperience (half of those who drown are under the age of 15)
 Weak or non-swimmers straying out of their depth
 Unauthorised access to pools intended to be out of use
 Diving into insufficient depth of water (leading to head or spine injury)
 Unruly behaviour and misuse of equipment
 Unclear pool water, preventing casualties from being seen
 Absence of, or inadequate response by, lifeguards in an emergency.
Careful recording and consideration of any incident at the pool will help to ensure that risk
assessments and safety arrangements remain relevant.
4.0 Risk Assessments
These cover many areas of risk and are updated annually to ensure continued review and
control of old and new risks within the facility.
The risks of providing a complex pool facility have been assessed and the detailed
requirements included within these Pool Safety Operating Procedures Plan have been
formulated to ensure control of and reduction in the risks present.
5.0 Admissions Policy
Persons who appear to be intoxicated by alcohol or drugs or not well enough to enter the
water must be refused admission.
Users wearing shorts that finish below the knee, and those with loose / baggy clothing will not
be admitted; only near skin-tight clothing (not heavy cotton) can be worn. Suitable clothing
can be borrowed from the PE Dept. during lessons or purchased at the school shop for pupils.
External hirers must bring appropriate clothing.
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Sectioned-off area of Main Pool A responsible adult over the age of 16 years may supervise 2 children under the age of 4
years or up to a maximum of 3 children between the ages of 4 - 8 years during family sessions
(1 lifeguards supervising the area).
Main Pool – General sessions A responsible adult over the age of 16 years may supervise up to a maximum of 2 children
under 8 years or 1 child under 5.
Weak/non-swimmers and under 8s should be restricted to areas of the pool with water depth
less than 1.5 metres.
Food must not be brought onto or consumed on the poolside. Sports water bottles may be
brought onto poolside for swimmers during coaching sessions, Lifeguards and Teachers to
avoid dehydration. Drinks should not otherwise be brought onto or consumed on poolside.
Users who have health problems or disability may appear to pose a risk. Many persons will
have been referred by a doctor for exercise and are often able to swim safely. If in any doubt
in their ability to safely participate in pool activities users should seek advice from their GP.
If a person with a disability requires assistance to access to the pool, they should ask the
advice from the Centre Staff on arrival. There is a lift to the rear of the building to access the
ground floor and full disabled changing and showering facilities are available in the overflow
changing room.
Current or recent illness including respiratory problems, infections, digestive upsets and rashes
are indications against participation. Any person with a recent history of diarrhoea (i.e. within
the last 7 days) should not be permitted to swim.
Where groups of people with disabilities are using the pool, extra supervision may be required.
As part of the risk assessment the following aspects must be considered:
 The group leaders should be consulted and consider persons with disabilities on an
individual basis
 The number of Lifeguards required
 The number of helpers in the water to provide support
 The number of other helpers available to provide additional assistance, especially in the
event of an emergency requiring evacuation
 The training and competency of helpers
 The provision, type and location of safety signs and signals (both visual and audible)
 The maximum number of disabled persons that can safely be admitted into, and
evacuated from a session with due regard to the above.
June 14
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6.0 Dealing with the Users
Arrangements for communicating safety messages to users.
The pool will be safer if bathers are aware of potential hazards, and act responsibly. As far as
is reasonably practicable, the hazards should be brought to bathers’ attention as soon as
possible. This is achieved in a variety of ways:
 Pool rules information notices displayed on the poolside
 There is no diving permitted in the pool unless they are trained in racing diving from the
side or diving blocks
 References in contracts with club organisers, schools, etc, hiring the pool
 Verbal reminders and explanation where necessary, by Lifeguards
 Use of visual and audible alarms.
7.0 Communicating with Users
To supervise a pool properly requires being able to communicate with pupils, users, other
Centre Staff and Teachers.
Lifeguards’ posture, appearance, facial expressions and gestures communicate all kinds of
messages. A friendly, firm and professional manner will get the most positive response.
In dealing with users, especially where there is a potential discipline problem, the following
should be considered:
 Smile and appear approachable
 Establish eye contact
 Be courteous but firm
 Give reasons for any warning or instruction
 Avoid anger or inappropriate language
 Never try to intimidate pool users
 Above all, always remain calm and in control
Hand signals usually need to be followed by an explanation and Whistles are only effective if
used as stated in ‘The Lifeguard’ training manual
Three whistle blasts should be regarded in the same way as an activation of the pool
assistance alarm and all available staff and teachers should respond.
Activation of the pool assistance alarm or three whistles (followed by activation of the alarm
by another Lifeguard if appropriate) should be used in any situation where a Lifeguard is
taking emergency action. This might be to ensure their area of the pool is supervised while
they deal with a minor incident, or to summon assistance in the event of a major incident.
June 14
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8.0 Dealing with Complaints
Lifeguards however are challenged with providing good customer care without compromising
supervision of the pool. If a bather has an extended enquiry, comment or complaint,
Lifeguards should take the following action:
 Position themselves to ensure the user does not inhibit vision of his/her supervision
zone
 Explain that he/she is listening but is also responsible for supervising the pool
 Contact the Duty Manager or another Lifeguard to cover his/her supervision position or
deal with the enquiry
 Where no additional staff are available, ask the user to enquire at Reception after they
have finished their swim.
Poolside rules during unprogrammed sessions:
 No flippers (fins), face masks or snorkels, all cause hazards to either the user or other
pool users
 No outdoor shoes – enforcement of this policy assists with pool hygiene and cleanliness.
The above rules apply equally to Lifeguards.
9.0 Pool Supervision - Duties and Responsibilities
The key functions of the Lifeguards are described in ‘The Lifeguard’ manual, other functions
include:
 Ensure cleaning takes place
 Set ups and take downs of equipment elsewhere
Requirements of a Lifeguard
Prior to undertaking duties Lifeguards must:
 Successfully complete a nationally recognised pool lifeguard qualification and produce
evidence of this qualification
 Successfully complete a site specific programme of induction training within their first 3
months
In order to perform the duties set out above, Lifeguards must maintain the skills and fitness to
be able to perform their duties at all times, in particular lifeguards must:
 Be physically fit, have good vision and hearing, be mentally alert and self disciplined
 Be strong, able and confident swimmers
 Maintain a current, nationally recognised, pool lifeguard qualification
 Attend and successfully complete each module of the ongoing Lifeguard training and
competency assessment every month
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10.0 Lifeguard Fitness
A lifeguard must be able to perform the following basic fitness test at any time. If this is not
possible e.g. due to fitness or health reasons, the Lifeguards ability to perform their duties in
the event of an emergency may be compromised.
 Jump or dive into the pool in deep water
 Swim 100 metres on their back without stopping
 Swim 50 metres within 60 seconds
 Surface dive to the deepest part of the pool
 Climb out of the pool unaided, without using steps or ladder
A lifeguard must alert their line manager if they have any medical condition (including any
medication which might impair concentration or alertness) which may affect their ability to
perform their duties.
11.0 Lifeguard Training
All Lifeguards employed by St. Albans School will hold a current nationally recognised
qualification. All qualified Lifeguards are required to attend staff training sessions which are
mandatory to ensure their qualification remains valid.
12.0 Lifeguard Uniform and Appearance
Whilst supervising the pool, Lifeguards should:
 Be alert and be seen to be alert
 Enforce the pool rules and admissions policy
 Be punctual and adhere to rotation times
 Carry out bather head counts
 Conform to uniform policy
 Carry Radio to alert other staff during an emergency
Whilst supervising the pool, Lifeguards should not:
 Take part in social conversations
 Allow their attention to be drawn from the pool
 Use a mobile phone
 Leave poolside or their area of supervision unattended
bring food or drink (except plastic water bottles) on to poolside.
Instructors or Teachers who provide the safety supervision for their group during programmed
sessions should also wear shorts and T-shirt and carry a whistle.
13.0 Maximum Bather Loads
The following table, based on the available water surface area should be used as a starting
point for calculating maximum bather loads for the pool.
June 14
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Available surface water
Surface area deeper than
1.0m
(Main Pool)
(Endless Pool)
Number of bathers
325m2
8.61m2
divide this
figure by 3
108
1
Main – 108
Total maximum bathers Endless – 1
The following factors, which may reduce the maximum bather load for a particular session,
must be considered:
 The maximum number of swimmers that can be accommodated in a lane or a double
lane
 Emergency evacuation of people who require assistance from the water.
Session
6 long lanes
4 long lanes
3 long lanes
2 long lanes
1 long lane
Maximum bather load
60 (10 per lane)
33 (plus 10 per lane)
50 (plus 10 per lane)
66 (plus 10 per lane)
83 (plus 10 in the lane)
14.0 Supervision of Programmed Activities
Where the risk is limited due to the nature of the activity and the degree of control exercised,
the Teacher or Coach may provide the safety cover for their group. The following
requirements must be satisfied:
The Teacher/Coach should:
 Be teaching from the poolside, not in the water
 Hold an appropriate teaching qualification
 Be teaching a number of pupils within the relevant governing body maximum teacher:
pupil ratios
 Have received induction training including PSOP, a test of rescue skills and CPR skills
relevant to the age group they are teaching
 Conform to the uniform policy
It should be noted that some sessions, which would normally be considered ‘programmed’
may on occasion become ‘unprogrammed’. A common example might be at the end of a
lesson when an unstructured ‘fun time’ or ‘fun session’ is provided. During these times, the
session must be supervised in accordance with unprogrammed supervision standards.
June 14
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15.0 Supervision of Unprogrammed Activities
Maximum bather loads and minimum Lifeguards
Pool
Minimum
Lifeguards :
Decision factors
Area
Lifeguard
bather ratios in
m²
requirements
busier periods
Session
Early Morning Swim
325
1: 15
1:25
Low risk session with
lanes; club swimmers
only;
Low risk programmed
session with instructors
who are rescue award
trained.
Low risk Programmed
session with instructors;
competent swimmers
Swim Lessons
Main pool
325
2(shared)
1:25
Swim Clubs
325
1
(when requested)
1:50 & Coaches
General/Lane Swim
325
1:15
1:25
Medium risk session
(mixed abilities)
Staff Training
325
TA
N/A
Low risk, TrainerAssessor present
16.0 Face Masks, Fins, Snorkels
The use of the above accessories is prohibited unless authorised by Centre Staff.
17.0 Bather Head Counts
A bather head count should be carried out regularly. The count should be completed during
programmed and unprogrammed sessions.
18.0 Lines of supervision
Sports Centre Manager
Duty Manager
Duty Manager
Cleaners
Lifeguard
June 14
Lifeguard
Lifeguard
Page 10 of 22
19.0 Sessions - (may be used during busy times, such as school holidays)
Sessions have been allocated onto the pool program which limits the amount of users in at
one time and the next session would start with new users. If users that are in the pool want to
stay for the next session they must get changed and pay for the next session at reception.
Numbers are monitored at Reception and by lifeguards and therefore only the maximum
amount of people can enter for the session as described in the bather load section.
20.0 Pool Covers
Pool covers are installed to cover the pools overnight or whenever the pools are closed in
order to prevent evaporation and radiation of heat to save energy.
Pool covers are operated as follows:
20.1 Main Pool Cover
The Main Pool cover is electrically operated. The expansion poles must be put in place pointing
down into the water before the cover is operated. The cover is then unrolled by using the
remote control. Lifeguards must pull gently on the guide ropes and monitor the covers
operation to ensure it is guided as necessary to prevent the leading edge from ‘submarining’
and becoming submerged or catching on the step rails. The process is reversed to remove the
cover.
The button on the remote control must be pressed to stop the pool cover as it will
not stop itself and damage can be caused. It must never be left unattended when
putting on or taking off.
WARNING: under no circumstances should anyone attempt to walk on the cover
when it is extended across the pool.
20.2 Endless Pool Cover
The cover is manually operated by gently pulling on the guide ropes to ensure the pool is fully
covered. To uncover turn the handle on the roller to roll back the cover.
WARNING: under no circumstances should anyone attempt to walk on the cover
when it is extended across the pool.
21.0 Pool Hygiene – Users
Users should be encouraged to use toilets and showers before using the pools. Any users who
appear to be entering the pool in an unhygienic condition should be asked to shower before
entry.
June 14
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It is particularly important to emphasis this to children who may not understand the
importance and consequences of not doing this in advance of swimming.
Babies and young children must wear waterproof nappies or costumes in the pool and
lifeguards on duty must check that young children are wearing suitable attire.
22.0 Supervision Zones
Normal conditions (Main Pool)
 1 – 25 bathers main pool
 Minimum 1 x Lifeguard
 rotation time 60 mins
2
Busy conditions (Main Pool)
 2 – 50 bathers main pool
 Minimum 2 x Lifeguard
 rotation time 60 mins
Lifeguard Position 1 – High chair
Lifeguard Position 2 – Roaming
* Both Lifeguards extensive supervision of whole
pool
Main Pool
1
Position 1:
Stationed on
the high chair
in the middle
of the far side
of the pool
Position 2:
Stationed on
the near side of
the pool under
the pool
balcony
roaming up and
down the pool
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GLARE
When glare occurs on the main pool lifeguards can change to alternative positions. These are
indicated below.
POSITION 1
Very occasionally glare may occur in this position. If so move the lifeguard to an appropriate
position depending on the activities taking place and other lifeguards present.
POSITION 2
Move to shallow or deep end dependant on which is the most high risk area at the time or patrol
the opposite side to the chair.
23.0 Work Rotation
Lifeguards need a high level of concentration but most find it difficult to maintain this for
prolonged periods.
Rotation between positions, variation in duties and breaks away from the poolside are vital,
regardless of whether the pool is busy or quiet.
Rotation gives everyone the chance to work in both the lower risk and the more demanding
locations. This helps relieve boredom, particularly during quieter periods.
24.0 Maximum Poolside Working Times
Work rotation should provide for periods of duty on poolside of 60 minutes. Only in
exceptional programme circumstances should duty periods exceed 90 minutes.
Rotation from poolside will involve duties in other areas and allocated breaks.
25.0 Controlling Access to Pool
Precautions must be taken to prevent unauthorised access to a pool intended to be out of use
(e.g. prior to opening, at closing time, scheduled or unplanned closure of a pool or pools
during the day).
Children are often most at risk and physical barriers or supervision, rather than signs may
need to be employed. The risk assessment must include these factors.
At this pool the measures are;
 Access control at Reception
 Lifeguard presence on poolside
 Doors and gates to poolside are magnetically locked
 Pool office doors locked when not in use
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Page 13 of 22

Access from changing rooms are controlled by magnetic locked gates.
26.0 Work Instructions
Safe setting up and checking of equipment (e.g. timing system) is detailed in Work
Instructions folder on Shared drive.
27.0 First Aid Supplies and Training
Specific list of first aid provision are detailed in first aid boxes
Those holding a current National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) have authority to give
immediate first aid in the event of an injury to a bather or other emergencies, in accordance
with their training.
School onsite Nurses will also provide first aid during school opening hours. EXT 771
School Nurses emergency mobile numbers = 07905287440 / 07711079656
27.1 Oxygen
Oxygen is available in the first aid room. Only trained staff is allowed to use this piece of
equipment
27.2 Automatic Electronic Defibrillator (AED)
An AED unit is located in the pool office. Only trained staff is allowed to use this piece of
equipment
28.0 Alarm Systems, Emergency Equipment and Maintenance Arrangements
A pool assistance alarm is operated by red push buttons located on poolside.
Operation of the alarm will activate sounders on poolside.
The pool assistance alarm activation points, audible and visual alarms must be tested weekly.
This test must be recorded and any faults transferred to the Defect Log for urgent
rectification.
The pool assistance alarm system must be serviced annually.
The following rescue equipment is available by the poolside
 Foam filled rescue aid with straps
 Throw rope bag
 Throw ropes
 Spine board (on Poolside)
All Lifeguards must receive training and competency assessment in the correct use of all
rescue equipment provided as part of their on-going training.
June 14
Page 14 of 22
29.0 Hire to Outside Organisations
Procedures and conditions of hire to outside organisations are defined within the Bookings
(Block and Occasional) Procedure
30.0 Swimming Galas
The following equipment is used for swimming galas:







Anti-turbulence lane ropes x 7
Timing system and pads
Scoreboard control laptop
Starting blocks
5m back stroke marker flags
team benches
poolside PA system
tables for officials
See work instruction folder for Gala set up instructions and staffing levels etc.
31.0 Photography Policy
The centre operates a no photograph policy, unless prior arrangement is made and written
permission sought from parents of all those having their images taken.
32.0 Minor Emergencies
A minor emergency is an incident which, if handled properly, does not result in a life
threatening situation. It will normally be dealt with by the nearest Lifeguard as follows:
 Lifeguard is made/becomes aware of an incident
 Lifeguard notifies others in the team that they have to respond to an incident by
activation of the pool assistance alarm or three blasts of the whistle
 If Lifeguard is on poolside on his own then the call button on the radio must be pressed
to alert other members of the team around the building.
 Manager must be informed immediately
 On hearing the pool assistance alarm other staff must stop any further admissions to
the pool and await instructions.
 Other Lifeguards(s) move to cover vacated patrol/vigilance area
 Lifeguard involved administers immediate aid or provides appropriate assistance
 Lifeguard completes incident/accident reports
 Lifeguard returns to duty
33.0 Major Emergencies
A major emergency is one where an incident occurs resulting in a serious injury / life
threatening situation. As with minor emergencies the response in most major emergencies
follows a general pattern:
 Lifeguard is made/becomes aware of an incident
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Page 15 of 22














Lifeguard notifies others in the team that they have to respond to an incident by
activation of the pool assistance alarm or three blasts of the whistle
If Lifeguard is on poolside on his own then the call button on the radio must be pressed
to alert other members of the team around the building.
Pool alarm sounds via emergency alarms to alert support staff who promptly report to
the pool side
On hearing the pool assistance alarm the Receptionist must stop any further admissions
to the pool and await instructions from the Shift Leader
Lifeguard initiates rescue/first aid procedures and removes casualty from the danger
area
Support staff clear the pool and assist with rescue/first aid as necessary
Support staff should ensure that a crowd does not gather around the casualty
Shift Leader will instruct the Receptionist to call an ambulance and designate one
member of staff to meet the ambulance at the main entrance and take them directly to
the scene of the incident
As soon as possible after the incident all staff involved will complete an accident report
form
Duty Manager will complete an incident report and accident report form
Duty Manager will inform Sports Centre Manager and / or Estates Bursar
The Sports Centre Manager along with Estates Bursar will determine if the incident
requires to be reported by RIDDOR and will make the report as soon as possible after
the event.
The Duty Manager will determine when the pool will be re-opened to the public, unless
a senior member of staff is present, who will make the decision.
No statements shall be made to the press or members of the public at the time of or
immediately following the incident. If required a press statement will be prepared by
the Head Master
34.0 Chemical Spill
Warning
Sodium Hypochlorite and Sodium Bisulphate MUST NEVER BE STORED
TOGETHER OR MIXED UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. MIXING PRODUCES
CHLORINE GAS WHICH CAN CAUSE DEATH IF INHALED.
Both chemicals are corrosive and can cause respiratory damage if fumes are
inhaled. Personal Protective Equipment must be worn at all times when
handling these chemicals.
June 14
Page 16 of 22
Some chemicals may be delivered in the same coloured bags / containers.
LABELS MUST BE CHECKED TO ENSURE CORRECT STORAGE LOCATION
35.0 Serious Injury to a Bather
All head injuries are to be treated as serious injuries, delayed compression injury may lead to
unconsciousness. An ambulance should be called by the Manager, if necessary. Under no
circumstances should the casualty be permitted to return to the pool even if they appear well.
Any casualty who may have become unconscious under water may have inhaled a small
amount of water placing them at risk from secondary drowning for up to 72 hours after the
incident. It is impossible for pool staff to assess whether a casualty is likely to suffer from this
potentially fatal condition and therefore all such casualties must be transferred to hospital
immediately.
As much assistance as possible should be given to the casualty and persons accompanying
them. This may include use of the telephone and assistance with looking after children.
Staff have the responsibility to treat casualties prior to the arrival of an ambulance crew. The
ambulance crew have full responsibility to transport unaccompanied children to hospital and it
should not be necessary for a member of staff to accompany the casualty in the ambulance.
36.0 Disabled User Evacuation
Users who are either disabled or have impaired mobility, can be assisted by any member/s of
staff in the event of a facility evacuation.
37.0 Aquatic Spinal Cord Injury Management
The serious consequences of damage to the central nervous system means that careful
handing, lifting and moving are crucial when dealing with spinal injuries.
Incident management priorities
1. save a life – airway, breathing, circulation
2. stabilise the casualty’s head
3. maintain their horizontal position
In the event of the urgent need to remove the casualty from the water (e.g. when the
casualty is not breathing), the casualty should be removed using a horizontal lift, if there are
enough staff available to do this safely (with a team of 5 people, at least 2 of whom are
trained persons, although 3 is recommended).
37.1 Aftercare
 Casualties who have been immobilised in the water are likely to suffer from onset of
hypothermia; injuries to the cervical spine frequently lead to a failure of the body’s
temperature regulation system which will speed up this onset
 Once on the poolside casualties with spinal injury should be wrapped in dry, heat
retaining material to prevent heat loss
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
Unnecessary movement should be avoided; there is no need to recover a casualty to a
first aid room unless the poolside presents further risk
38.0 Overcrowding
Lifeguards must carry out regular head counts of the number of bathers in the water. If the
number is approaching the maximum bather load the Duty Manager must be informed
immediately so that steps to prevent overcrowding may be taken.
If at any time the maximum number of bathers has been reached, the Duty Manager should
be alerted who will halt further admissions.
After numbers have reduced the Duty Manager will advise to restart admitting users.
39.0
Lack of Water Clarity
A reduction in clarity prevents pool users from assessing the depth of the water and may
prevent Lifeguards seeing a casualty below the surface of the water.
The clarity of the pool water should be constantly monitored. If the pool water clarity begins
to deteriorate, Lifeguards must contact the manager immediately.
The Shift Leader shall carry out a water test, check the pool plant and initiate any corrective
action.
If corrective action is not possible or effective quickly, the Shift Leader will stop all further
admissions and decide whether it is safe for the pool to remain open.
Clarity may be assessed by placing the dummy into the water and determining whether it is
visible on the bottom in the deepest part of the pool and in the area of poorest visibility. If
the dummy cannot be seen Lifeguards shall clear the pool immediately. One long whistle blast
is the most effective approach.
Where pool lights fail but all other systems are working correctly the manager must assess
whether there is sufficient light to see the deepest part of the pool clearly as detailed above.
If the dummy cannot be seen Lifeguards shall clear the pool immediately.
40.0 Lighting failure
In the event of a power failure, either the fire alarm or an announcement to carry out an
evacuation may be made – poolside staff will signal swimmers to exit the pool immediately.
The Shift Leader will co-ordinate a brief investigation, contacting the electricity board or
Maintenance team to determine how long the failure is likely to last. Should the failure last
more than a few minutes, users should be asked to evacuate the building, gathering their
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belongings & changing into their clothes before they leave. Emergency lights will activate, but
will only last 30 minutes or so.
The pool plant should be shut down as per the ‘Backwash Work Instruction’ in the main plant
room. A backwash will need to be completed before re-opening the pool facilities.
If the fire alarm has sounded, swimmers should be lined up next to the nearest fire exit & be
issued space blankets. Only when the manager indicates that a full evacuation is necessary,
shall the swimmers be lead towards the assembly point.
 As soon as the lighting fails the Staff will stop taking new admissions. The Shift Leader
will attempt to contact the Electricity Board to assertion how long the electrical supply
will be off for.
 The Shift Leader will carry out a check of the Plant Room and Electrical Cupboard to
ensure the area is free from obvious problems i.e. electrical fire.
 The Lifeguards will start to clear people out of the water and request that they quickly
return to the changing rooms and start changing.
 The Lifeguards will evacuate the building as per the Shift Leaders instructions.
 The Staff will need to be available to answer questions and queries from users as they
leave.
 The manager and other staff will try to contact users who have any bookings, and they
will remain in the building until either the power is returned to normal or until the
emergency lighting fails, whichever is first.
41.0
Dealing with Blood, Vomit and Faecal Fouling
41.1 Blood and Vomit
If substantial amounts of blood (or vomit) are spilled into the pool, it should be temporarily
cleared of people, to allow the pollution to disperse and any infective particles within it to be
neutralised by the disinfectant in the water. As much as possible should be removed with a
scoop.
After dispersion / removal the Duty Manager will immediately carry out a pool test to establish
that disinfectant residuals (free and combined chlorine), and pH are within recommended
ranges. If these tests are satisfactory the pool can be reopened.
Any blood spillage, vomit, faecal fouling on the poolside should be covered with paper towels,
gently flooded with disinfectant (1% hypochlorite solution) and left for at least two minutes
before it is cleared away. The affected area can then be washed with pool water. The person
clearing up the spillage must wear gloves and suitable footwear. The paper towels and gloves
should be disposed of in a hazardous waste container.
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41.2 Solid Stools
It is essential that solid stools are retrieved quickly to prevent them breaking up and resulting
in an extended pool closure.
 Clear the pool of bathers immediately
 Using the scoop provided on poolside the Lifeguard identifying a possible stool must
quickly retrieve the offending item
 The stool should be disposed of in the toilet and the scoop disinfected.
 After dispersion the manager will immediately carry out a pool test to establish that
disinfectant residuals (free and combined chlorine), and pH are within recommended
ranges.
If these tests are satisfactory the pool can be reopened.
41.3 Stools Which Break Up
Normal pool disinfection will destroy the bacterial and viruses associated with stools, however
if a stool has broken up it is difficult to ensure all of the particles have been removed:
 Clear the pool of bathers immediately
 Using the scoop provided on poolside remove as much of the faecal material as possible
 The stool should be disposed of in the toilet and the scoop disinfected.
 Advise bathers to shower thoroughly
 Increase disinfectant levels to the top of the recommended range
 Vacuum and sweep the pool
 Using a coagulant, filter the water for a one turnover cycle approximately 3 hours
 Backwash the filters
 The manager will immediately carry out a pool test to establish that disinfectant
residuals (free and combined chlorine), and pH are within recommended ranges.
 If these tests are satisfactory the pool can be reopened.
41.4 Diarrhoea
The likeliest cause of diarrhoea is a virus or bacteria that are susceptible to the normal
disinfection of the pool. These are inactivated within a matter of minutes. However, the other
possibility is that the diarrhoea is from someone infected with Cryptosporidium or Guardia.
The infectious stages of these parasites are resistant to chlorine disinfectants and therefore
their removal relies on filtration, which will take a number of hours.
The following action must be taken before the pool can be reopened:
 Clear the pool of bathers immediately
 Advise bathers to shower thoroughly
 Increase disinfectant levels to the top of the recommended range
 Vacuum and sweep the pool
 Using a coagulant, filter the water for a minimum of six turnover cycles, approximately
15 hours
 Backwash the filters
 The manager will immediately carry out a pool test to establish that disinfectant
residuals (free and combined chlorine), and pH are within recommended ranges.
 If these tests are satisfactory the pool can be reopened
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42.0 Emergency Action Plan
The following emergency situations are covered in the building Emergency Action Plan
 Fire and Evacuation
 Bomb threat
 Power and lighting failure
 Robbery
 Flood / storm & structural damage
 Personal threats (Violence to staff)
 Emission of toxic gases
 Disorderly behaviour
 Controlled evacuation
 Partial evacuation.
 Medical Emergency
 Entrapment
43.0 Review of Procedure
This procedure is reviewed once a year or updated as and when necessary.
44.0
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Internal Forms:
Daily Task Sheet
Bather Count Form
Incident/ Accident Form
Pool plant log book
45.0 Site Specific Work Instructions:

Use of pool vac
46.0 Sources of Information:
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Notices displaying Pool Rules and Child Supervision Policy
Risk Assessments
Users Codes of Practice
St. Albans School Health & Safety Policies
Inductions
Emergency Action Plan
Cleaning
Equipment and Set Up
Photographic Policy
Health & Safety Executive (HSE) ‘Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools’ HSG179
RLSS ‘The Lifeguard’
Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG) ‘Swimming Pool Water Treatment &
Quality Standards’ 1999
HSE Workplace Health & Safety Regulations (Six Pack)
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A.S.A. Recommendations - Safe Supervision – Diving
ISRM National Pool Plant Operators Manual
ISRM Swimming Pool Child Admission Policy for Un-programmed Swimming
ISRM Diving & Jumping in Swimming Pools and Open Water Access
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