lifeguarding reasons for the rules

Please note these are not necessarily the most important rules, but in many cases just the most common rules.

If pools posted their rules in all the languages of their customers the guards' jobs would be easier and the patrons would have a safer, more enjoyable visit.

We will discuss the answers in class so you can't turn this homework in after we have talked about it and get credit for it.

Aquatic Facilities—General Rules

1. Swim only when a lifeguard is on duty.

2. No running, pushing or rough play.

3. Dive only in designated areas.

4. No diving in shallow water (water up to 5 feet deep, or at many pools, 9 feet deep).

5. No glass containers in the pool area and locker rooms.

6. No alcoholic beverages or other drug use allowed.

Waterfront Facilities

1. No playing or swimming under piers, rafts, platforms or play structures.

2. No running and diving head-first into shallow water.

3. No fishing near swimming areas.

4. No umbrellas at the waterline.

5. No swimming in unauthorized areas.

Waterpark Facilities, Including Winding Rivers and Waterslides

1. Designated age, height or weight requirements for using an attraction.

2. Enter and exit the winding river only at designated places.

3. Stay in tubes at all times.

4. No metal objects, locker keys, jewelry, metal snaps/zippers, eyewear or watches, including metal rivets, buttons or fasteners on swimsuits or shorts.

5. No running, stopping, standing, kneeling, rotating or tumbling on the slides.

6. Do not ride slide with anyone in your lap

7. A person must exit the landing area immediately after using the slide.

8. The next person may begin a slide only after the previous person has cleared the area below.

Spas, Hot Tubs and Therapy Pools

1. Shower with soap and water before entering the water.

2. People with certain medical conditions are not allowed to use the spa or hot tub.

3. Pregnant women and young children should seek their doctor’s approval before using a spa or hot tub.

4. Do not allow anyone to sit or play near the drain or suction fittings.

5. Limit time in the spa to 10 minutes. Patrons then may shower, cool down and return briefly.

Diving Areas

1. Patrons must demonstrate their swimming ability before entering deep water.

2. Only one patron on the diving board at a time.

3. Only one bounce allowed on the diving board.

4. Dive or jump forward, straight out from the diving board.

5. Swim immediately to the closest ladder or wall (or swim immediately to the designated ladder or wall).

Children: (choose among these, or write your own rule based on these and then write why):

Adults must be within arms reach of children under age 8 at all times.

Children 3-5 in the water must be supervised by an adult in the water, and be supervised on deck and in locker room areas at all times

Children 6-8 in the water must be supervised by an adult on the edge of the deck or in the water

Children under 13 are not allowed in the locker rooms or in the building without a parent or guardian.

Children 8 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult 15 or older.

Children 5 years and younger must be accompanied IN THE WATER by an adult 15 or older.

All children, regardless of age, who wear personal floatation devices, must also be accompanied by an adult in arms reach.

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When boards are not in use, putting a thick strong section of pole under the board can make it less likely to be mistakenly used by a pool patron. (Signage also helps.)

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