Swimming pool safety
Swimming pools are a hugely positive addition to any community. They give people the chance to learn how to swim, take regular exercise and have fun in the water with their families.
Like other water environments, swimming pools also pose risks. If you’re a pool operator, you are responsible for the health and safety of your employees, pool users and any other people on your premises.
Your legal duty of care
Below we’ve listed the key pieces of legislation that all pool operators should be aware of:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
- Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations
- HSG179
- Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurences Regulations
Steps to take for a safer swimming pool
To operate your pool as safety as possible
We recommend that you:
Conduct regular risk assessments
Create and test an emergency action plan
Have a designated health and safety officer
Develop and review pool safety operating procedures
Establish swimming pool management arrangements
Ensure your pool is accessible for people with disabilities
Have appropriate safety information and signs
Deliver new and refresher training for your employees
Have at least one lifeguard present whenever the pool is in use
Report all accidents and incidents
In an emergency
Call 999
Read more
Water safety signs
Find out about the three main types of water safety signs when you are around water.
Control of substances hazardous to health (COSHH)
Designed to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect the workforce from exposure to harmful substances.
Leisure safety mark
RoSPA consultants will perform comprehensive safety audits tailored to leisure and recreational sites.