Category: Lifeguard

Who Regulates Swimming Pools? A Look at Key Agencies and Standards

Who Regulates Swimming Pools? A Look at Key Agencies and Standards

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Whether you’re running a public pool, managing a hotel facility, or simply interested in safe swimming practices, it’s important to know who’s responsible for regulating swimming pools in the United States. Pool safety goes far beyond clean water and lifeguards—it involves a network of regulatory bodies working together to ensure health, safety, and compliance.

Let’s dive into the key organizations and codes that shape how swimming pools are operated and maintained.

1. OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)

Focus: Worker Safety

While OSHA doesn’t directly regulate water quality or swimmer safety, it plays a crucial role in protecting the workers who maintain and operate swimming pools—such as pool technicians, maintenance staff, and lifeguards.

OSHA’s role includes:

  • Regulating chemical storage and handling (e.g., chlorine and muriatic acid)
  • Requiring proper ventilation for indoor pool chemical rooms
  • Ensuring that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is used correctly
  • Mandating training for workers on handling hazardous materials

Example: An improperly ventilated chlorine storage room could lead to a chemical spill or gas exposure—OSHA ensures such risks are minimized.

2. Local and State Health Departments

Focus: Public Health & Water Safety

Most public swimming pools are regulated by state and local health departments. These agencies set and enforce rules concerning:

  • Water chemistry (chlorine, pH, alkalinity, etc.)
  • Sanitation and disinfection procedures
  • Filtration systems and turnover rates
  • Pool inspections and operational permits

Health departments often perform routine inspections, issue violations or closures for unsafe conditions, and enforce illness-prevention measures such as response protocols for fecal incidents.

Regulations vary by state, but all are designed to prevent disease outbreaks and injuries.

3. The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC)

Focus: Voluntary National Guidance

The Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC) is a set of guidelines and best practices for the operation and maintenance of swimming pools, spas, and other aquatic facilities. It is developed and maintained by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in partnership with the National Swimming Pool Foundation (NSPF) and other organizations. The MAHC covers a wide range of topics.

The MAHC is intended to serve as a model for states, localities and other organizations to develop and implement their own aquatic health codes, and is updated periodically.As it is written, the MAHC is not practical to follow every guideline (suggestion) in the code. However, it is full of good information and aquatics managers can find helpful information on how to improve the operation of their facility.

4. Other Relevant Entities

While OSHA, health departments, and the MAHC are the primary regulatory forces, there are other organizations and standards that influence pool safety:

  • NSPF/CMAHC: Offer certifications and promote the MAHC
  • ANSI/APSP Standards: Provide construction and design guidelines
  • ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act): Regulates pool accessibility
  • EPA: Oversees certain environmental aspects, such as water discharge

Final Thoughts

Swimming pool regulation is a patchwork of federal guidance, state laws, and local enforcement—supported by voluntary best practices like the MAHC. Whether you’re a facility manager, health inspector, or concerned parent, understanding these layers of oversight can help ensure a safer swim for everyone.

Looking to improve your facility’s compliance? Start by checking with your local health department, reviewing OSHA safety standards.

Building Lifesavers Early: The Power and Purpose of Junior Lifeguard Programs

Building Lifesavers Early: The Power and Purpose of Junior Lifeguard Programs

Posted on by Admin

Every summer, beaches and pools bustle with activity, and while most eyes are on the water, some of the most important lessons are happening right beside it—within Junior Lifeguard programs. These programs, often overlooked, are more than just summer activities. They’re essential training grounds that instill confidence, responsibility, and lifesaving skills in youth as young as 9 years old.

What is a Junior Lifeguard Program?

Junior Lifeguard programs are designed to introduce kids and teens to the fundamentals of water safety, first aid, rescue techniques, and physical fitness. These programs mimic the structure and expectations of professional lifeguard training but are tailored to the developmental level of younger participants.

While they don’t certify participants as professional lifeguards, they lay a strong foundation for future certification and, more importantly, foster critical life skills.

Why Junior Lifeguard Programs Matter

1. Early Water Safety Education Saves Lives

According to the CDC, drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death among children. By learning rescue techniques, CPR, and how to respond in emergencies, Junior Lifeguards become part of a proactive solution—often preventing incidents before they escalate.

2. Confidence and Leadership Development

From day one, junior lifeguards are given real responsibilities—monitoring mock rescues, communicating with peers, and even mentoring newer recruits. These experiences build self-esteem and leadership skills that carry over into school, sports, and social life.

3. Physical Fitness in a Purpose-Driven Environment

Instead of just swimming laps, kids train for a reason. They work on strength, endurance, and coordination—all through engaging drills that simulate real-life scenarios. This not only improves physical health but also builds discipline and perseverance.

4. Teamwork and Communication Skills

Junior Lifeguards quickly learn that rescues aren’t solo efforts. They train in teams, practicing how to support each other in high-pressure situations. Clear communication, quick thinking, and collaboration become second nature—skills that benefit them far beyond the water.

5. Pathway to Lifeguard Certification and Jobs

For many, this program is the first step toward becoming a certified lifeguard. Many aquatic centers, beaches, and camps look favorably on applicants who participated in a Junior Lifeguard program, giving them a head start in summer employment opportunities.

More Than Just a Summer Program

The best Junior Lifeguard programs go beyond drills and technique—they create a community. Participants often form tight bonds, gain lifelong mentors, and develop a deep respect for public service. Whether they pursue lifeguarding professionally or not, graduates walk away more prepared to protect themselves and others in and around the water.

Final Thoughts

Junior Lifeguard programs are investments in the safety, health, and development of our youth. They empower kids to act with confidence in emergencies, develop strong character, and take on challenges with courage and competence. In a world where preparedness saves lives, there’s hardly a more valuable way to spend the summer.

Here are a couple templates you can use to get started!

Curriculum 1

Curriculum 2

Physical Fitness for Lifeguards

Physical Fitness for Lifeguards

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Lifeguards are responsible for ensuring the safety of swimmers and patrons in the water, and physical fitness is an essential component of their job. A fit and healthy lifeguard will be better equipped to respond to emergencies and perform the physically demanding tasks required of the job.  Here are some examples of fitness training that can be beneficial for lifeguards:

  • Cardiovascular training: This can include activities such as running, swimming, cycling, or rowing to improve cardiovascular endurance and overall fitness.
  • Strength training: This can include exercises such as weightlifting, bodyweight exercises, and resistance training to improve overall strength and endurance.
  • Flexibility training: This can include exercises such as yoga, stretching, and Pilates to improve flexibility and prevent injuries.
  • Agility and balance training: This can include exercises such as plyometrics, balance exercises, and obstacle courses to improve agility and balance.
  • Rescue training: This can include training in swimming and rescue techniques, as well as training in the use of rescue equipment such as tubes, spinal boards, and AEDs.
  • First aid and CPR training: This is an essential component of a lifeguard’s job and must be kept up to date.

It’s important for lifeguards to maintain a consistent fitness training regimen, both during the off-season and during the swimming season. Regular fitness training can help lifeguards to perform their duties effectively and safely, and can also help to prevent injuries. 

It’s also important to note that a lifeguard’s fitness level should be appropriate for the specific position and facility where they work, and should be in compliance with the regulations and standards of the facility and the state/country.

Current pre-screen requirements for lifeguard certification may not meet physical fitness requirements to be a lifeguard. Based on current guidelines, it is suggested to evaluate lifeguard fitness levels every 10-12 weeks(1).  The fitness test should match or exceed the physical exertion a lifeguard will experience in an emergency at your facility.  Below are some basic criteria. We have also created a template that can be used to create your own assessment that can be found here:

  • Approach the victim swiftly and efficiently.
  • Descending to the deepest area of the location (not exceeding 20 feet).
  • Retrieving the victim (an adult submersible manikin or equivalent).
  • Returning the victim to safety.
  • Safely transferring the victim (with assistance from other staff if outlined in the specific venue’s emergency action plan) to a designated area accessible for emergency medical services.
  • Administering CPR for a duration of 9 minutes (based on the average US response time) or the documented response time of the venue, whichever is shorter.

Notes:

  • The sequence above should be done in a continuous uninterrupted sequence. 
  • If your facility does not have a manikin, replace the CPR with a 400-yard swim.  That should be comparable enough to 9 minutes of CPR.

References

1. Consensus of the United State Lifeguard Standards Coalition. United States Lifeguard Standards. United State Lifeguard Standards Coalition. [Online] January 2011. http://www.lifeguardstandards.org/.

Lifeguarding Children Who Can't Swim

Lifeguarding Children Who Can’t Swim

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I took the family to the pool last week and watched a young girl, that did not know how to swim, have free run of the place.  She was wearing a NON Coast Guard approved personal flotation device (PFD).  Her dad had to save her more than once and there was no attempt by the lifeguards to redirect her to a safer vest.  The dad was not a great swimmer either and had a hard time keeping his daughter from hurting herself.

I was stunned at the lack of response by the aquatics staff.  If a family is choosing to use flotation devices for their children, lifeguards should never let children, who cannot swim, wear anything other than a Coast Guard approved PFD.

A good resource on how to select a PFD can be found here:

https://www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/cg5214/pfdselection.asp

 

 

Who is watching the pool during rest breaks?

Who is watching the pool during rest breaks?

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I have visited a few pools this summer.  One thing that always strikes me as odd is how often there is no lifeguard presence during rest breaks.  I firmly believe this is a HUGE mistake.  When customers are told the facility provides lifeguards, that means the whole time-not 45-50 minutes of an hour.

Over the past few weeks (during rest breaks), I have observed small children swimming on their own and people throwing each other into the pool.  All while there is no lifeguard on the pool deck to intervene.  A good practice is to have a supervisor observe the pool during rest breaks.

While on the topic, are rest breaks required?  The simple answer is not in most areas.  We cannot figure out where or how rest breaks started.  It is one of those things that are now legend and nobody can remember how rest breaks came to be.  Some reasons we have heard include:

  • Allow time for kids to use the restroom and prevent water borne illnesses
  • Gives small children time to rest
  • A chance for kids to re-hydrate and not drink the pool water
  • To give lifeguards a break
  • Present a time to put on sun screen.
  • So pools can sell concessions

Whatever the reason you choose to have rest breaks, a lifeguard still should be watching the pool at all times!

Lifeguard Stations

Lifeguard Stations

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This week, I came across a pool that had a lifeguard station in the shallow end of the pool-even though there was an elevated station positioned perfectly for the lifeguard to see her entire coverage area.  The lifeguard had her back to the rest of the pool while observing about 20 people (mostly children).  The general use for an in-water lifeguard station is for catch pools at the bottom of water slides.  I have seen it used with other applications effectively, but this is not one of those times.  Let’s discuss a few reasons why:

  1. The lifeguard limited her visibility by being in the water instead of in an elevated station above the water.
  2. There was a portion of her area of responsibility she could not fully see (stairs used as an entrance and exit for the shallow end of the pool.
  3. Patrons regularly obstructed her view so she could not effectively scan her whole area.
  4. She would turn her back to half the area she was supposed to be watching while she paced.

All in all, it was a poor use of a lifeguard.

Below is an excerpt from the Lifeguard University Lifeguard Manual about lifeguard stations:

 

Lifeguard Stations

To provide proper surveillance, lifeguards MUST be able to see their entire area of responsibility.  There are different types of stations used to ensure that lifeguards can not only see their entire area, but also enforce rules and are able to engage patrons that need assistance.

Elevated Station    

Generally, an elevated station is the best way to maintain the best surveillance of pool patrons.  It provides a clear view of the area and allows a lifeguard to observe a large area.  A common mistake lifeguards make is forgetting to scan the area of the pool directly below their station.

Ground Station

Similar to an elevated station, a ground station is a set point for lifeguards to maintain patron surveillance.  A ground station does not allow the same range of visibility, but does allow lifeguards the ability to enforce rules and make assists easier.

Roving

A lifeguard may be assigned a roving station that allows the lifeguard to move between two or more fixed points.  It allows similar advantages as a ground station; with the added benefit of the lifeguard being able to move position based on the surveillance needs of the pool.

Notes:

 

  • A lifeguard should not have an area of responsibility greater than a 180-degree viewing area. In short, a lifeguard should not have to turn their body to observe their area or have to look behind them to scan.
  • It should take no more than 20 seconds for a lifeguard to reach a victim. Lifeguard stations should be planned accordingly.
What is the minimum age for lifeguard certification?

What is the minimum age for lifeguard certification?

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The simple answer is AT LEAST 16.  However, there is a little more to it and maturity plays a big factor.  Expert opinions on the topic varies and some believe the age should be as old as 18.  There are other training agencies that will certify lifeguards at 15.  The Unites States Lifeguard Standards Coalition’s published 2011 report only gives minimal guidance on the subject.  The guidelines suggest “lower-stress and lower-risk” lifeguard jobs can be filled by 15 year olds, “higher-stress” lifeguard jobs should be performed by someone at least 16 years old.

The guidelines only give vague suggestions on what low-stress and high-stress lifeguard jobs would be.  As a training agency that does not know what kind of lifeguard job its students will be filling (low vs high stress), we put the minimum age of being certified at 16.  We have also given instructors the ability to withhold certification from anyone the instructor believes lacks the maturity to be a lifeguard.  Although somewhat subjective, maturity matters and we only want to certify people that can perform lifeguard duties in a manner that protects patrons.

Resources:

http://www.lifeguardstandards.org/