Ask ARN: Must therapy pools supply lifeguards during aquatic therapy sessions?

The Aquatic Resources Network gets questions from clinicians each day. We think everyone should learn from the answers!

 

Question: What kind of policy should we have regarding posting a lifeguard on duty at the pool? Are therapeutic pools held to the “public pool” standard?

Answer: There are over 100 bathing codes in effect in the U.S. and no two of them have identical wording concerning lifeguards. In most states, therapy pools are considered "public" pools and are subject to all the same codes and regulations as any other public pool in the state.

Some states have a “semi-public" or "special pool" or “therapeutic pool supervised by a licensed medical practitioner" category. Since surveillance requirements vary from state to state depending on the categorization, each practitioner should make himself aware of the requirements which pertain to his state or locality.

Regardless of whether or not a state code requires that lifeguards be posted, the facility is still required to provide a safe environment, and to provide rescue assistance and necessary First Aid.

The prevailing standard that public pools must hold to includes the following requirements:

• The standard of care in the industry (in the U.S.) is the "10/20 Supervision Rule". Trained and qualified lifeguards must be posted in a way that they can observe and scan their entire area of responsibility once every 10 seconds, and respond to and manage an emergency situation within another 20 seconds.
• Lifeguards should be properly dressed in uniforms (provided and paid for by the employer) and readily identifiable to patrons.
• At least two certified or licensed lifeguards should be in attendance at all public pools at all times the pool is in operation.
• Lifeguards should have no duties to perform other than the close general supervision of participants in water contact activities.
• Lifeguards should be alert, rotate to a new position at least once every 40 minutes, and be given frequent relief breaks from surveillance duties.
• The number of lifeguards should be adequate for the activities being conducted, the size and shape of the facility, and environmental conditions which might limit the ability to provide supervision.
• Lifeguards should be at least 18 years old, medically fit, have good eyesight, be physically capable of meeting the demands of the job, possess current certifications or licenses (in lifeguarding, CPR, and First Aid) from a recognized training agency, have adequate specific training for the facility, and be qualified and practiced in emergency procedures and other job aspects including use of rescue equipment (a minimum of four hours/month inservice training).

Source: Osinski A. Aquatic Therapy Listserv. Aquatic Consulting Services: San Diego, CA; 2001. For more information: Aquatic Consulting Services, Phone (619) 224-3100, Hotline (900) 446-6075 x 820. Web: www.AlisonOsinski.com