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Home » Board of Education » District Policies » 1500-E.8, Pool Safety Plan

1500-E.8, Pool Safety Plan

INTRODUCTION:

Section 6-1.23 (10)(vii) requires the bathing facility operator to provide to all patrons a written statement or brochure. NCCS requires that all patrons wishing to use the Shaker High School Pool receive this Pool Safety Plan and Guidelines.

The pool is used by Shaker High School for instruction and competitive swimming teams. After the use by the NCCS, outside organizations may contract for the use of the facility. Any outside organization is responsible to provide the necessary certifications and other requirements of the New York State Sanitary Code.

I. Definitions

Qualified Lifeguard shall mean an individual possessing, as minimum qualifications, current advanced lifesaving and basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates from the American Red Cross or equivalent certifying agency on the basis of standards approved by the State Commissioner of Health; except that in jurisdictions where the permit-issuing official has adopted minimum qualifications for lifeguards, approved by the State Commissioner of Health, the term qualified lifeguard shall mean an individual certified by such permit-issuing official as possessing those qualifications.

Supervising Lifeguard shall mean an individual at least 18 years of age, who possesses as minimum qualifications, current life guarding and basic life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) certificates from the American Red Cross or equivalent certifying agency on the basis of standards approved by the State Commissioner of Health and has at least two sessions of adequate life guarding experience.

II. Injury Reporting

A full report of any injury of illness incident occurring at a swimming pool shall be reported by any organization using the pool to the permit-issuing official within 24 hours of its occurrence, and a notation recorded in a log book. This shall include all incidents occurring at a bathing facility which:
(a) result in death;
(b) require resuscitation;
(c) require referral to a hospital or other facility for medical attention; or
(d) is a bather illness associated with bathing water quality. Albany County Department of Health – 447-4580.

III. Supervision, Rules, Regulations

The facility operator shall be responsible for verification of aquatic supervisory staff qualifications. Copies of the certificates or other documents showing possession of such qualifications shall be kept on file at the site and made available to the permit issuing official upon request.

  1. One lifeguard per 40 swimmers. Note** The lifeguard on duty CANNOT be the Instructor.
  2. The lifeguard must have direct supervision of all swimmers in the pool.
  3. The lifeguard chair will be located at the mid-point between the 5’ depth and 10 1/2 depth mark on the side of the pool deck (window side).
  4. During open swims, the lifeguards will be in a position to see the total pool bottom area at all times.
  5. Periodic breaks during extended periods of life guarding will be provided (minimum 10 min./hr.) If one guard is on duty, pool must be cleared of swimmers.
  6. A free telephone conveniently located in the pool office at the facility with posted numbers for the nearest emergency service (police, fire department, ambulance, hospital).

IV. Pool Rules and Regulations

  1. Safety Rules
    1. No running on the deck.
    2. No food or glass containers in the pool area.
    3. No pushing, dunking, or horseplay will be permitted.
    4. No diving in the shallow area.
    5. No unauthorized use of the starting blocks.
    6. Swimmers leave the water if a single, long whistle is sounded.
    7. If red light, located at deep end of pool, is illuminated, report to Custodian on duty.
    8. Never swim alone.
    9. There is no substitute for adequate supervision.
    10. In an emergency, notify the facility operator and contact help as soon as possible.
  2. Diving Area Rules
    1. One person on the board at a time.
    2. Do not enter the water until previous diver has exited the board area.
    3. Only dive/jump from the end of the board.
    4. Swim to the nearest side immediately.
    5. Only use step mount to get on the diving board.
    6. Swimmers are not to swim in diving area.
  3. Pollution of Swimming Pool is Prohibited
    1. Use of the toilet facilities before entering the pool.
    2. People with communicable diseases or open wounds are not allowed in the pool.
    3. All Bathers are required to take a shower before entering the pool.
    4. No unauthorized items are to be used in the pool.
    5. No Bobby pins are to be worn in the pool.
    6. No food or drink allowed in the pool.

V. Use of Starting Blocks

They may only be used for competition and competitive training exercises. According to American Red Cross Safety Training for swim coaches, a progression of teaching steps must be followed before swimmers are allowed to use starting blocks.

VI. Chain of Command

Board of Education Chain of Command

Responsibilities:

Board of Education – Serves to adopt and evaluate general school policies as to insure the accomplishment of the goals and purposes set forth in the district’s mission statement.

Superintendent – Serves as the Board of Education Chief Executive Officer in the General administration of the school systems, recommends policies to the Board of Education.

Assistant Superintendent for Business – Serves in planning, coordinating, supervising, and directing the whole operation under the direction of the Superintendent, and in accordance with Board of Education policies.

Director of Physical Education and Athletics – Serves in the direct supervision of Physical Education and Inter-scholastic Athletic Staff. Coordinates utilization of pool facilities for Physical education and athletics.

High School Principal – Serves in the supervision of outside groups, coordinates utilization of pool facilities for outside groups.

Director of Facilities – Serves in the direct supervision of Maintenance staff, and implementation of Safety and Risk Management procedures in accordance with the State Sanitary Code – Subpart 6-1.

Physical Education Teacher – Provides direct instruction to students in accordance with district and state guidelines. Performs visual scanning of water before, during and after classroom use.

Director of Custodial Services – Serves in the direct supervision of Custodial staff to insure the cleanliness of pool, surrounding surface area, equipment, and ancillary facilities. Insures the removal of standing water and elimination of slippery conditions. Performs water testing several times throughout the course of pool hours, and performs all other cleaning duties in accordance with State Sanitary Code Subpart 6-1. Coordinates the training and certification of custodial staff as Certified Pool Operators. Supervises the certified pool operator.

Maintenance Mechanic – Serves to immediately repair/replace any mechanical malfunctions and/or deficiencies, insuring the proper operation of all mechanical devices, and performs routine tests as prescribed in the State Sanitary Code Subpart 6-1.

VII. First Aid/ Rescue Equipment List and Location

  1. Rescue Board – Pool Deck
  2. Back Board – Pool Deck
  3. Rescue Ring – Pool Deck
  4. Lifeguard Rescue Tubes – Office
  5. First Aid Kit – Office
  6. Rescue Pole – Wall

VIII. Emergency Evacuation

  1. Lifeguard clear pool
  2. Everyone exits west doors of pool to outside of building and proceed on the access road toward the Junior High School. If west doors are blocked, exit east door following hallway to the west doors in F gym lobby.

Adopted: January 23, 2012