Swimming Pool Safety : FAQ's
Q:How does managing health and safety in swimming pools (HSG 179) apply to non-standard swimming facilities?
A: The guidance in HSG179 is aimed primarily at swimming pools. But it also covers paddling pools, segregated areas of rivers, lakes and the sea, and other non-standard facilities. The Health and Safety Executive has prepared some guidance to clarify their approach as to the application of HSG 179.
Q: I own a caravan park which has a swimming pool open only to residents, is there any guidance that I should follow?
'Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools HSG 179' applies to the swimming pool that you operate and should be followed.
Contact with water in infancy will not only encourage the desire to swim but reduce the chances of a child developing a fear of water. The Forum advises that you wait until your child is at least 6 months old before visiting a public swimming pool. However there are some important points to bear in mind which are set out in the Amateur Swimming Association's factsheet 'Medical Factors relating to Neonatal and Infant Swimming', available through their website at www.sportcentric.com
A: The Institute of Sport and Recreation Management (ISRM) have guidance on this and many pool managers will use this guidance. Further details about the guidance are available from the ISRM. Some parents have found the standard ratio of adults to children advised by the ISRM and used by pool managers, to be restrictive. The guidance issued by the ISRM does allow for flexibility based on the risk present at individual pools so it is worth discussing this with your local pool. Find out if they offer, or are willing to offer, toddler sessions with a higher staff level.
Also, many pools operate a changing-room policy, find out what this is before you go so that you can ensure it is not going to cause you difficulties with supervision of children of different ages and sexes. The ISRM offers guidance about this in relation to changing for school groups, which may assist.
You can post questions to the advisory group using the online enquiry form.
