If your establishment operates a swimming pool then there are some important questions that you will need to be able to answer, these include:

1. What are the risks with the operation of the swimming pool?
2. Have you completed a risk assessment?
3. Have you introduced a 'normal operating procedure (NOP)' and 'emergency action procedure (EAP)' ?
4. Are staffs or guests at risk with regard to dosing activities?
5. What are your responsibilities?

The issue of safety within the swimming pool area is one of the most critical aspects of your operation, and possibly one where any accident could be very severe.

Provision of lifeguards and Supervision

It is essential that you assess the risk of using the pool and make your choice. It is likely that if you can answer NO to the following questions then constant supervision by a qualified lifeguard may not be required:

• Is the pool water deeper than 1.5m ?
• Is the pool water area greater than 170m