Swim Area Safety. Presented by: Lucas Hartford & Mike Pulk

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1 Swim Area Safety Presented by: Lucas Hartford & Mike Pulk

2 Slide 2 Swimming Area Safety Introduction The Argument for Safety Industry Standards Proper Signs & Operation Lifeguard vs. Pool Attendant Other Issues Conclusion 2

Slide 3 The Argument for Safety 6,000 people drown each year in the U.S. #1 Drowning is the 4 th leading cause of death 2 nd most common for people under 19 years old #2 350

3 Slide 3 The Argument for Safety 6,000 people drown each year in the U.S. #1 Drowning is the 4 th leading cause of death 2 nd most common for people under 19 years old #2 350 children under 5 years old drown in pools each year 2,600 children under 5 years old are treated in emergency rooms each year 42% of swimming incidents require hospitalization 3

for at least 4 months If negligence is found the lawsuits are usually measured in

4 Slide 4 The Argument for Safety Costs Medical Costs for submersion victims easily reach $80,000 Brain Damage Victims Initial Medical Costs over $300,000 In hospital for at least 4 months If negligence is found the lawsuits are usually measured in millions of dollars Business owner will most likely attend deposition and trial #3 4

5 Slide 5 The Argument for Safety Evergreen s Experience Average drowning settles for $870,000 plus expenses of $155,000 Total costs is over $1,000,000 Check YOUR policy limits or call your agent On average drownings per year will occur in campgrounds in United States 82% will result in lawsuits 5

6 Slide 6 Severity of Swimming Areas 24% 14% 44% Swimming Areas S, T & F's Trees & Limbs Other 18% 6

7 Slide 7 Industry Standards Legal Establishment s Correct or Prudent Way Duty of Care / Due Care Legal and Moral Standards Camping Industry has matured Government Agencies ANSI #4 Standards are Created Common Sense Past Legal Cases Precedent 7

8 Slide 8 Proper Signs & Operations Handouts on Signage & Operations Major Points of Handouts Signage Location Pools Pools All entry points Inside the gated area #5 Beaches Locations that Cannot be missed by beachgoers Several Locations If not fenced, remove attractive nuisances Beaches 8

Lettering should be no less than 4 block #6 Other Rules on separate sign(s) Universal symbols Pool Depth

9 Slide 9. Proper Signs & Operations Signage Text Lifeguard Notice LIFEGUARD ON DUTY or WARNING: NO LIFEGUARD ON DUTY Lettering should be no less than 4 block #6 Other Rules on separate sign(s) Universal symbols Pool Depth Markings From the water s edge within 18 inches / Non-Skid #7 Every break in grade/ Every 25 / Every Side Non-vinyl pools on vertical walls also Wadding Pools too At least 4 inches tall #8 Specify ft. or Feet #9 9

10 Slide 10 Proper Signs & Operations Pool Lifeline Recessed Hooks 1 before break in grade, on shallower side #10 Rope buoy & marking on pool bottom Life Rings Needed at both beaches & pools Coast Guard approved One every 100 at beach 1.5X length of pool or 50 whichever is less/ Throwing rope ¼ diameter Sign for Emergency Use Only Shepard s Crook not less than 12 long All Emergency Equipment in place even if a Lifeguard is on Duty #11 10

Slide 11 Proper Signs & Operations No Diving Signs Put it on the inside fence Put it on the Sign of Rules If desired on pool decking Floats / Docks Water > 8 to allow diving If < 8 all 4

11 Slide 11 Proper Signs & Operations No Diving Signs Put it on the inside fence Put it on the Sign of Rules If desired on pool decking Floats / Docks Water > 8 to allow diving If < 8 all 4 sides must be posted Open Water Swim Areas Docks should not be used as a side or portion of the side to designate a swim area Symbol or Word for No Headfirst Sliding on Pool Slides Pool Log 11

Slide 12 Proper Signs & Operations Gates, Fences & Barriers Must be 4 high #12 If building is one side all entry & exit ways must be secured Gate Latch Must be at least 45 high Must be self

12 Slide 12 Proper Signs & Operations Gates, Fences & Barriers Must be 4 high #12 If building is one side all entry & exit ways must be secured Gate Latch Must be at least 45 high Must be self latching Daily Water Results On file minimum of 3 years Check at Least Daily Higher Use pool more often #13 Preferred to have manager checking results Always be able to see the bottom drain 12

13 Slide 13 Life Guard or Pool Attendant VS. 13

Slide 14 Life Guard or Pool Attendant Lifeguards may give

Someone from staff needs to supervise the Lifeguard(s)

absolutely no other duties Options No Commercially

14 Slide 14 Life Guard or Pool Attendant Lifeguards may give a false sense to parents that their children are safe Someone from staff needs to supervise the Lifeguard(s) Person responsible for supervising water should have absolutely no other duties Options No Commercially Provided Supervision Life Guards Pool Attendants Other Combination of Above 14

15 Slide 15 Other Issues Shallow vs. Deep Water Pools Certifications Lifeguard Certification American Red Cross (CPR & First Aid) YMCA Boy Scouts of America #14 Additional Hazards Pool Slides Diving Boards Floats Water Trampolines Manmade versus Natural Bodies of Water 15

16 Slide 16 The Final Question Ph for a pool should be between 7.2 and 7.8 #15 16

17 Slide 17 And the Winner is 17

18 Swim Area Safety Thank You For Attending Lucas Hartford & Mike Pulk

Cynthia Arias Pollution Control Coordinator

Cynthia Arias Pollution Control Coordinator cynthia.arias@cityofcarrollton.com 972-466-3059 28 cities surveyed 100% were inspecting public and semi-public pools Based on Texas Department of State Health