PoolManningSOP 01 Aug 2012 draft.doc

STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE

No. MWR-AQUA-014 R0

DATE

01 Aug 2012

SUBJECT

LIFEGUARD MANNING AND STATIONING PROCEDURES

ORIGINATOR

Aquatics Director

FILING

To be maintained within the Standard of Operations Binder of Andersen

INSTRUCTIONS

Pool where it is accessible to facility staff.

PURPOSE

To outline operational manning lifeguard-stationing standards for the Andersen Pool and beaches.

REFERENCE

PUBLICATIONS

AFI 34-110

AFOSH 48-14

AFMAN34-133

ABWI 34-102

RESPONSIBILITIES- Outdoor Recreation Director will provide oversight of all Standard Operating Procedures to ensure appropriate application of each within all facilities within the department.

Aquatic Director will maintain and submit revisions to procedures specific to the operation(s) under their leadership. Each Supervisor will provide adequate training to all facility staff to ensure compliance with Standard Operating Procedures that pertain to their work place.

Facility staff will follow the procedures within these guidelines and ensure each step is completed in accordance with the instruction here-in.

DEFINITIONS

SOP=Standard Operating Procedure

ODR=Outdoor Recreation

OI=Operating Instruction

GENERAL

Lifeguards must be stationed in a manner that complies with OI 34-110 as illustrated in attached form which defines area of responsibilities.

PROCEDURES

A. Lifeguard Manning for Andersen Pool

1. The positioning of lifeguard stations at the pool should be in accordance with the specific ‘Positioning Plan” as posted.

2. The proper ratio of certified staff members to patrons must be maintained to allow constant supervision of patrons while in the aquatic facility.

3. Aquatic facility is defined by the fenced compound, which the swimming pool decks are contained within, and does not include areas outside that area.

4. One certified staff member is required for every 50 patrons. However, two lifeguards are required to be at their individual stations at all times during open recreational periods.

5. All areas of the pool facility must be visible by the lifeguards at all times while the facility is open regardless of the areas occupied by swimmers in the pool facility.

6. A minimum of one telephone is required at the control desk, bathhouse, or deck area for emergency and business use.

B. General Lifeguard Manning Policies and Procedures

1. Lifeguards must be at the station assigned and continually monitor the area associated with that station until relieved by another lifeguard. It is highly recommended that the lifeguard has a source of hydration with them on post to maintain healthy levels of hydration during their shift.

2. Brief periodic dismounts from the lifeguard stand are permitted to regulate a patron, accommodate routine patrolling or roving within an assigned area and to promote proper blood circulation for the lifeguard.

3. While at lifeguard stations, lifeguards are forbidden from activities that distract their attention from monitoring the zones assigned to that station.

4. Forbidden activities include but are not limited to:

a. Conversations which are not relative to the duties of the lifeguard and the task at hand, with patrons or fellow staff members regardless if direct or electronic in nature.

b. Using audio devices such as radios, recorded material, players, personal cell phones or other communication devices that impair the lifeguard from hearing calls of distress.

c. Use of video devices or reading materials that divert attention, such as books, magazines, newsprint, portable televisions or all other portable electronic devices.

5. Lifeguards will leave their posts and clear the pool of all patrons at ten (10) minutes prior to the hour during hours of open recreation operations; a safety check and scan of the water and pool bottom will be done as the lifeguard leaves the deck area, a chemical test will be done every two hours. This break is also established to enable the lifeguards to have a break from the elements and for their eyes to rest. The pool will reopen at the top of the hour for normal operations with no delays.

6. During the break, the yellow chain must be installed in front of the ramp access and a member of staff will remain available in the deck area to inform patrons of the no water entry timeframe and politely answer any questions in regards to this required rest period.

7. A system of on-call staff should be developed to accommodate situations that arise that may require additional staff to report to work.

a. Unexpected absences of scheduled staff

b. Illness or injury that necessitates the departure of a stationed lifeguard.

c. Pool patron numbers exceed the requirements for the lifeguards on duty.

8. Lifeguards are responsible to ensure that all required equipment is available as specified in 36 FSS/FSCO, “Required Aquatic Facility Safety Equipment” prior to taking up the assigned station.