Swimming Pools 620-01-95-25

(Revised 10/1/16 ML #3480)

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The American Academy of Pediatrics and the Consumer Product Safety Commission warn that portable backyard pools pose a significant safety risk to children under the age of five. For all pools on the child care premises, the following swimming pool guidelines must be adhered to:

 

  1. Pools that do not receive an annual health inspection by the health department may not be used by child care children during childcare hours.

 

  1. An adult shall directly supervise the children while the pool is in use. Children may not be left alone in the pool or surrounding area without adult supervision.

 

  1. Additional adult supervision during the time the pool is in use may be of benefit to the provider and the children.

  1. The provider shall have policies which ensure the health and safety of children in care while participating in aquatic activities, including types of aquatic activities the program may participate in, staff to child ratios appropriate to the ages and swimming ability of the children participating in aquatic activities, and additional safety precautions to be taken.

 

  1. The provider may not permit any child to participate in an aquatic activity without written parental permission, which includes parent disclosure of the child’s swimming ability.

     

  2. The provider shall make sure that their liability insurance covers the use of the swimming pool for child care purposes.

 

  1. The pool must be inaccessible to children when not in use (fenced area, secure cover, or constant direct supervision to ensure children will not enter the pool).

 

  1. The pool needs to be cleaned as recommended by the manufacturer. The provider may check with the local or state health department for information.

 

  1. Provider and staff members shall know where the switch for the drain is located.

 

  1. The provider shall follow all applicable local and state ordinances regarding swimming pools.