Drowning is an often-fatal consequence of unsafe conduct in swimming pools. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nonintentional drownings account for more than 1/4 of deaths in children ages 1 to 4 years. Nearly 20 percent of fatal drownings in children occur at public pools. Even nonfatal drowning incidents can have serious consequences, such as permanent brain damage. The CDC reports that males, children and minorities are at the highest risk for drowning.
Purpose
Swimming pool rules and regulations exist for the health and safety of pool patrons. The rules are intended to reduce the incidence of common pool hazards. In addition to drowning, other common pool-related injuries include head and spinal cord injuries caused by falls or diving accidents. Another risk pool patrons face is water contamination. Hazardous contaminants include vomit, blood, feces and urine.
Safety Regulations
Pools require adult supervision for young children. Running on pool decks is prohibited because the wet surface can easily cause a fall. Other banned behaviors include alcohol and drug use, diving in shallow water, shoving and rough play. Unsafe behaviors on diving boards or other pool equipment include crowding and bouncing. Most pools require a swim test before allowing patrons to enter deep water. It is against regulations to distract a lifeguard.
Health Regulations
Usually, animals are prohibited at swimming pools with the exception of service animals, which are typically allowed on the pool deck but not in the water. Children who are not fully toilet trained are required to wear special swim diapers. Regular or cloth diapers are not permitted. Food and beverages are not allowed on the pool deck. Most pools require patrons to shower before entering the pool. People who are sick or have open sores are prohibited from entering the water.
Enforcement
Lifeguards and other pool staff members enforce pool rules. A minor rule violation often results in a lifeguard blowing a whistle to get the violator's attention. This is usually a first warning. Serious or continued rule violation may result in time out from the pool, expulsion from the facility or a permanent ban, depending on the severity of the behavior.
Considerations
Public pools require an admission fee. Usually, they offer a reduced rate for seniors and young children. Some pools may offer a refund if the pool closes early due to an emergency or inclement weather; however, most pools have a no-refunds policy.
In most cases, a ruling by lifesaving personnel, including lifeguards and pool directors, supersedes posted rules. Public pool regulations are usually set by a city or county's parks and recreation or aquatics department.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Unintentional Drowning Fact Sheet
- American Institute for Research: Review of Spinal Cord Injury Statistics Related to Diving and Diving Board Use
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Vomit and Blood Contamination of Pool Water
- City of San Diego Aquatics Program: Swimming Pool Rules and Regulations
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