Pool or Open Water Activities

Open Water activities include those that involve swimming in a lake or ocean. In addition to the considerations for All Physical Activities, the following should be considered for Pool-based Activities: 

Supervision for Pool or Open Water Activities

• Constant visual supervision during the entire activity by a certified NLS
  lifeguard is recommended.
• At least one supervisor must have a current certification, e.g., National Lifeguard Services (NLS) Lifeguard – Waterfront Option Certification or NLS – Pool Option with two years waterfront experience. 
• The designated lifeguard must be familiar with the pool or open water location being used and the appropriate procedures for the location. 
• Teacher should accompany students on deck during activity. 
• Teachers should discuss with the lifeguard what the teacher’s role is during an emergency. 
• Students must ask permission to leave the pool, the immediate shore area or the change facilities. 
• Student to lifeguard ratio is specific to each facility or open water location. For pools, this ratio is based on the Lifesaving Society – Public Aquatic Facility Safety Standards. Consult with facility to determine their requirements. 
• For open water locations that do not have a defined student to lifeguard ratio, the ratio should be determined through consultation between the teacher and the lifeguard. 
• Change facilities should be closely and frequently monitored.
• Local swim area  guidelines/rules should be followed. 
• When using pools or other water with no lifeguard for recreational swimming (e.g., hotel pools during a ski trip or lake during outdoor education trips) swimming should be done only during designated times with adequate adult supervision. Instructional Considerations for Pool or Open Water Activities 
• Prior to giving students access to deep water (above chest height) or where a current exists that may pull students into deep water, 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. 
• A properly fitted lifejacket/PFD should be used to support weak or non-swimmers in water deeper than chest height or where a current exists that could pull student into deeper water. 
• Initial screening/testing of swimming skills should be done in shallow water with no current.
• Parents/guardians must be informed when students will be going off school board property to go to a pool or open water location. 
• Teacher/instructor and in-charge person on shore should be informed of students with medical problems that may affect their safety in the water. 
• Emergency procedures should be outlined to students prior to entering the water. 
• Prolonged breath holding games should not be allowed.
• Showers should be taken before entering water 
• Students with infected cuts or sores should not enter pool. 
• Rules of municipal/local pool or swim area must be adhered to and students should be informed of and adhere to rules such as: 
  • No running or pushing on pool deck
  • No gum chewing
  • No food in pool area
  • No glass around pool or on beach
  • Stay clear of diving area
  • No diving in shallow water
  • No horseplay
  • No outdoor shoes on pool deck
  • Entry into water less than 2.5 m deep must be feet first.
• These rules will change from location to location.

Equipment/Facilities for Pool or Open Water Activities

• When using an outdoor pool or open water location, weather conditions must be stable and free of threat of thunderstorms.

For Pool or Open Water Activities:

• School or community pools should be used. Backyard pools must not be used. 
•  Pool deck should be clear of obstacles and clear of excess water. 
• Electrical equipment should be properly grounded (GFI). 
• Standard safety equipment should be available as stated in the pool regulations, e.g., ring buoys, reaching poles and spinal boards.

For Open Water Activities:

• Use of a municipally or otherwise designated swimming waterfront is recommended. If using another location refer to the Waterfront Safety Standards available at www.lifesavingsociety.org. 
• Teacher should ensure the following items are accessible:
  • Whistle or other signaling device 
  • Buoyant throw line 
  • Reaching assists 
  • Spinal board 
  • Blanket 
  • Salt 
  • Rescue boat/craft.
• Teacher should ensure that the waterfront area is: 
  • Clearly marked 
  • Free from hazards 
  • Roped off with floating markers 
  • Of suitable water temperature 
  • Water is reasonably clean and clear.