This guidance is published by CIMSPA, Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), Swim England and ukactive to support swimming pool operators in safely managing non-lifeguarded swimming pools. It is intended for UK-based employers, sole traders, and facility owners (collectively ‘pool operators’) but may be helpful to those outside the UK.
The document is designed to supplement the guidance already available:
- HSE publication, ‘Health and safety in swimming pools’ (‘HSG179’).
- British Standard publication BS EN 15288-2.
The guidance has been developed in response to a growing number of non-lifeguarded pools and the growing adoption of swimming pool technology. Tragically, there have been fatalities and prosecutions related to non-lifeguarded swimming pools where risk control measures are found to be inadequate, which have reinforced the need for this guidance.
There are estimated to be over 1,200 non-lifeguarded swimming pools in the UK, approximately 33% of the non-domestic pool estate. These include pools such as some indoor and outdoor pools, hotels, health clubs, gyms, spas, holiday resorts, corporate private leisure facilities, youth clubs, and communal pools within highdensity residential buildings.
Some facilities run both lifeguarded and non-lifeguarded sessions as part of their activity timetable. Without provision to offer non-lifeguarded pools, there would be widespread closures of pool facilities in the UK. Many non-lifeguarded pools provide vital access to swimming and lifesaving instruction under the supervision of an instructor with appropriate additional supervision skills training. Non-lifeguarded pools are essential to ensuring the next generation is suitably equipped to enjoy water safely.
This document provides clear guidance on the controls available to help pool operators ensure they implement reasonably practicable controls in non-lifeguarded swimming pools.
