Public Swimming Pool Safety Rules

Each summer countless individuals are injured or drown due to negligence and the failure to adhere to proper pool safety regulations. According to Pool Safety, "nearly 300 children under the age of five drown in residential and public pools and spas annually." These accidents are not inevitable. Learn basic safety tips and poolside etiquette for a healthier, happier summer.

  1. Supervise Children

    • Swimming activities of children must be supervised at all times. Adults should monitor children at both the poolside and waterfront to ensure safety, regardless of lifeguard presence. According to G & M Pool Services Pool Safety Rules, "it takes less than 30 seconds for a child to drown."

    No Running or Playing

    • Both pools and pool grounds are made predominantly of concrete, which can make accidents a costly liability to the pool owner and a danger to the swimmer. Running or playing on wet concrete poses a major hazard. Swimmers should walk carefully to avoid accidentally slipping and hitting their heads on the concrete.

    Diving Restricted to Boards Only

    • Diving is customarily restricted to diving boards only, which are located at the deepest end of the pool. Diving in shallow water of less than eight feet can cause severe head trauma, as the water is not deep enough to support the dive.

    No Dunking or Fighting

    • Dunking another swimmer in pool water can result in head trauma or even drowning. Fighting should be cause for immediate removal from both the pool and pool grounds.

    No Bottles or Glass

    • If bottles or glasses break on the poolside concrete, the glass shards could cause serious cuts on bare feet. Drinks should only be permitted if they are tightly sealed and stored in plastic containers.

    No Pets Allowed

    • Pets can carry ticks, fleas and bacteria. For hygienic reasons, pets should be left at home. Pets in the pool area could lead to fights or even trigger allergy symtoms in certain swimmers.

    No Electrical Devices

    • Electrical devices near any body of water increases the risk of electrical shock. Radios should remain approximately 15-20 feet away from pools.

    Other Safety Rules

    • There are several safety rules to consider, all of which may vary due to venue. Some public pools require proper attire in order to swim (swim suits, shorts), as well as pre-showering and proper coverage of open and/or exposed wounds. Infants and toddlers should wear swim diapers.