Pool Safety Guidelines

Creating Safe Aquatic Spaces: Best Practices for California Schools

Introduction

The California Department of Education (CDE) is committed to supporting local educational agencies (LEAs) in fostering safe environments for swimming activities. While CDE does not directly oversee or enforce much of the law concerned with pool safety, it provides these best practices recommendations to promote pool safety and mitigate risks associated with aquatic activities in California K-12 schools. LEAs are responsible for compliance with all relevant laws to ensure the safety of students and staff in aquatic environments.

Best Practices for Pool Safety

1. Trained Personnel

• Ensure all lifeguards and pool supervisors are certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), First Aid, and the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs).
• LEAs that acquire an AED must comply with all regulations governing the placement and use of an AED, including those specified in Health & Safety Code Section 1797.196. California Education Code (EC) Section 49147 authorizes a public school to solicit and receive nonstate funds to acquire and maintain an AED and to provide training to school employees regarding use of an AED. EC Section 49417 also provides protections for LEAs and their employees against certain forms of liability arising out of use or nonuse of an AED if certain requirements are met.
• Conduct refresher training every three years to maintain compliance and preparedness.
  

2. Emergency Preparedness and Response

• Develop and train staff on an Emergency Action Plan tailored to pool-specific incidents.
• Provide accessible emergency communication devices to report incidents promptly.
• Document all incidents, conduct post-incident debriefings, and adjust protocols as necessary.

3. Supervision and Lifeguard Requirements

• Maintain continuous supervision by certified lifeguards whenever the pool is in use.
• Use a rotation schedule to ensure lifeguards remain alert and effective.

4. Safety Equipment and Maintenance

• Stock and regularly inspect essential equipment, including rescue tubes, flotation devices, and first aid kits.
• Test emergency communication systems and ensure pool equipment functions properly before use.

5. Health and Hygiene Standards

• Follow a regular cleaning schedule for pool areas, restrooms, and changing facilities.
• Monitor and maintain water quality, including pH and chlorine levels. (See, e.g., Health and Safety Code §§ 116025–116068.)
• Ensure filtration and circulation systems are operational and meet regulatory standards.

6. Clear Rules and Signage

• Display clear, visible pool rules addressing:
  • Prohibited behaviors (e.g., running, diving).
  • Safe usage practices (e.g., no swimming alone).
  • Zone-specific rules for shallow and deep areas.
• Implement measures to prevent unauthorized access, such as locking pool areas when not in use.

7. Barriers and Access Control

• Install and maintain physical barriers around the pool area to prevent unsupervised or unauthorized access.
• Ensure barriers comply with California's safety regulations, including fencing height and self-latching gate requirements.