Safety in the Pool

Swimming is an important skill and healthy exercise for many thousands of adults and children. Sadly, about ten people drown in swimming pools every year. Most of these tragedies could have been prevented if pool operators had taken greater precautions, or bathers had taken more care.

Safety Policy & Inspections

All swimming pool establishments need a safety policy that aims to prevent such accidents and deal with emergency situations.

The Environmental Health department of the Vale of Glamorgan Council has a policy of undertaking a number of unannounced health and safety inspections or sampling visits of swimming pool establishments.

Pool operators cannot wait for an inspection before taking action. 

If individuals need advice they can contact the Environmental Health department. However, it is the responsibility of operators to make sure their establishment is safe. Pools are high-risk areas and you are required to take all reasonable precautions.

A brief check list for pool safety would include:

• the necessary paperwork
• a normal operating plan
• an emergency action plan
• adequate warnings to the public
• a suitable pool side design / environment
• training for staff
• adequate supervision of the pool