Supervision

• Constant visual supervision by certified National Lifeguards (NL) is required.
• On-site supervision by teacher / supervisors is required following initial skill instruction and after all safety concerns have been emphasized.
• Suggested ratio of teachers / supervisors to students is:
  • 1:4 (Pre-Kindergarten/ECS to Grade 3)
  • 1:8 (Pre-Kindergarten/ECS to Grade 3 if life jackets / PFDs are worn by all children)
  • 1:10 ratio (Grades 4-12)
• Facility factors such as water depth and pool configuration or type of activity may call for higher levels of direct supervision.

Instructional Considerations

• Prior to allowing students access to deep water (chest height) for swimming or other activities, students must be able to meet the Swim to Survive™ Standard, a sequence of three skills: roll into deep water, tread water for 1 minute, and swim 50 m.
• Teachers / supervisors should be particularly diligent during the first 10 minutes at the pool as children are excited to get into the water.
• Students should be briefed on the rules of the pool, signage, and location of lifeguards.
• Students with special needs may be at greater risk in an aquatic environment. Teachers / supervisors should assess these students’ swimming abilities and consider putting them in a life jacket / PFD as needed.
• Teachers with relevant lifeguard certification may provide swim instruction without an additional lifeguard only when the pool is being used solely for aquatic instruction and appropriate supervision ratios are maintained.

Considerations for Hotel / Unsupervised Pools

• Unsupervised pools may be used provided that:
  • Appropriate supervision ratios are maintained
  • Supervisors remain on deck during swim activities
  • Rescue equipment and first-aid equipment are readily accessible
  • At least one present supervisor has a mobile phone on their person

Equipment/Facilities

• Appropriate swimwear or bathing suits should be worn.
• Prior to utilizing pool facilities, supervisors should ensure the following are available:
  • At least two (2) buoyant throwing assists with a buoyant line attached. The length of the line should be at least the width of the pool;
  • At least two (2) reaching poles at least three (3) metres in length. Ideally the pole should have a large hook that can be used to pull a person to safety;
  • At least one spineboard with an effective immobilization system. At least one extra spineboard with head immobilizer is recommended for backup when a spineboard is removed from the facility to transport a spinal injury victim;
  • At least one Number two (2) first aid kit with a rescue breathing barrier device with a one-way valve and disposable surgical gloves. Extra supplies for high use items such as bandages should be available;
  • An Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a designated first aid area.