School Pools - Recommended School Swimming Pool Policy

Pool User's Code

The following key points should be used in conjunction with the swimming pool users code as the basis of the Board of Trustees School Swimming Pool Policy.

1. Fence the school pool in accordance with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987.
   Schools are required to comply with this legislation.
2. Ensure the gate closes securely at all times.
   A self-closing mechanism must be fitted to the gate to ensure it closes securely at all times. This is required as part of the compliance with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act 1987. Regularly check the operation and effectiveness of the gates and locks. Replace locks, which stick or are slow to close.
3. Keep all pool chemicals locked away.
   All pool chemicals should be securely placed away from the swimming pool and changing rooms. Ensure chemicals are stored and disposed of in accordance with manufacturers instructions. Pool equipment should not be stored in the same area as the pool chemicals, as this may be enable school children to access hazardous and dangerous chemicals.
4. Keep the water quality in compliance with NZS5826:2000.
   The quality of the pool water should fulfil the requirements of the New Zealand standard NZS5826:2000. This standard is a plain language code of practice for the operation and management of water quality in public swimming pools, including school pools.
5. Train staff in water quality management and swim teaching.
   Unit standards and qualifications exist for the water quality management and swim teaching, Ensure staff that are charged with these responsibilities are professionally trained.
6. Swimming pool supervision standard.
   Establish a swimming pool supervision standard for school use.
   
   During any session when the pool is in use there shall be one person designated as the swimming pool supervisor who will supervise the pool at all times.
   
   This supervision level shall apply to the swimming pool supervisor’s line of sight. If there is more than one swimming pool, or the design of the pool means not all areas are visible from one location, more than one supervisor will be required.
   
   As the number of pool users increase, the number of supervision staff will need to increase. Similarly, the use of specialised equipment may require an increase in staff.
7. Establish a swimming pool user’s code.
   A swimming pool user’s code should reflect the Boards of Trustees expectations for pool use and user behaviour. This code should cover the use of equipment (or the banning of equipment) as well as specifying the minimum age for supervision of younger children.
   Water Safety New Zealand and the New Zealand Recreation Association have developed a code of practice for public swimming pools which recommends children under 8 years of age be supervised by a person older than 16 years of age. This recommendation is based on the public pools providing professional lifeguards.
8. Pool equipment.
   Keep pool equipment in a secure, but easily accessible place, as these can be potential hazards if left lying around the pool. Avoid keeping pool equipment, such as teaching aids in the same place as pool chemicals. Aquatic equipment and toys, such as boogie boards, are not designed for use in school swimming pools. The use of this equipment should be actively discouraged.
9. Provide public notification of the swimming pool policy and pool users code.
   A copy of the policy and pool users code, including a clear warning as to whether the pool has any life guarding services, should be put in an obvious place to ensure everyone’s safety, e.g. on the outside of the gate so everyone reads them on entry, and inside on a notice Board and in the changing room areas.
10. First-aid and emergency contacts.
    An emergency telephone and first-aid kit should be available within the pool complex in a secure and vandal-proof place. Using an identical key for the gate and first-aid kit will allow all users access to the kit. Regularly check the kit to ensure there are sufficient supplies. Ensure emergency contact details, such as school contact people, as well as the location of the first-aid kit and closest telephone are advertised in clearly visible places.

Recommended Pool User's Code

Water Safety New Zealand recommends the following as a Pool User’s Code.

Swimming is fun and enjoyable, but pools can be dangerous. Water presents a risk of drowning and injury can be sustained from the hard pool surfaces or the misuse of equipment. To ensure your safety, and the safety and enjoyment of other pool users, the [school name] Board of Trustees have established the following code of behaviour for all pool users.

• Never swim alone. It’s more fun with family and friends.
• Never swim while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Take additional care if you have a medical condition such as epilepsy, asthma, diabetes or a heart condition.
• Always check the depth of water before entering the pool, as every pool is different. Look for hazards such as diving boards, water slides, or steep slopes into deeper water.
• No running, jumping, or diving into the pool.
• Avoid holding your breath and swimming long distances underwater.
• Return pool equipment to the storeroom.
• Boogie boards, surf boards, kayaks are not to be used in this pool.
• Ensure the pool gate is securely closed when you leave.
• Each code should be customised to each pool and to represent each Board of Trustees requirements.