Mich. Admin. Code R. 325.2198

Current through Vol. 24-21, December 1, 2024
Section R. 325.2198 - Lifeguards

Rule 98.

(1) A swimming pool owner or operator shall provide lifeguard service at a swimming pool, other than a wading pool or a spa pool, if any of the following provisions apply to the swimming pool:
(a) The pool is owned or operated by a government, a governmental subdivision or agency, a public corporation, or a school.
(b) The total water surface area within the swimming pool enclosure is more than 2,400 square feet.
(c) A diving board is provided.
(2) If lifeguard service is required by subrule (1) of this rule, then a swimming pool owner or operator shall ensure that 1 lifeguard for every 75 people within the swimming pool is on duty in the enclosure when the swimming pool is open for use. The department may waive this requirement if a contingency plan has been adopted by the owner and approved by the department under R 325.2194a.
(3) A lifeguard shall meet all of the following requirements:
(a) Be a capable swimmer and be competent in lifeguarding techniques.
(b) Have satisfactorily completed a recognized course of instruction in adult, child, and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation with training in 2-person and resuscitation barriers of the type offered by the american red cross, the american heart association, or the national safety council. A swimming pool owner or operator shall post valid and current evidence of successful completion of the course at the swimming pool when it is open for use.
(c) At a minimum, have satisfactorily completed a nationally recognized course of instruction, such as any of the following:
(i) The american red cross lifeguarding course.
(ii) The young men's christian association lifeguard course.
(iii) The national pool and waterpark pool lifeguard course.
(iv) An equivalent lifeguard training course approved by the department. A swimming pool owner or operator shall post valid and current evidence of successful completion of the course at the swimming pool when it is open for use.
(d) Be dressed in suitable swimming attire which allows the lifeguard to be suitably prepared to enter the water and act in an emergency and which allows persons in the enclosure to be able to readily identify the lifeguard.
(e) Ensure the proper supervision of instructional and recreational aquatic activities in the pool enclosure. Activities that would distract from the proper supervision of persons using the swimming pool or prevent immediate attention to a person in distress are prohibited. An instructor, teacher, or coach meeting the lifeguard requirements of this rule shall directly supervise swimming programs, such as any of the following:
(i) Recreational swimming.
(ii) Lap swimming.
(iii) Competitive swimming.
(iv) Water exercise classes.
(v) Swimming lessons.
(vi) Scuba lessons.
(vii) Physical education classes.

If a supervising instructor, teacher, or coach does not meet the lifeguard requirements of this rule, then a swimming pool owner or operator shall provide a separate lifeguard who meets the requirements of this rule.

(f) Have the authority to enforce, and be responsible for enforcing rules pertaining to safety and sanitation.
(4) The department shall maintain a listing of cardiopulmonary resuscitation courses and lifeguarding courses that the department determines is equivalent to the type of course required by subrule (3)(a), (b), or (c) of this rule. The agencies offering the other courses are responsible for providing sufficient evidence to the department to determine course equivalency.
(5) At a swimming pool where lifeguard service is not required by subrule (1) of this rule and is not provided, a swimming pool owner or operator shall prominently display a sign warning that there is no lifeguard on duty. The owner or operator shall ensure that the sign has legible letters that are not less than 4 inches high.

Mich. Admin. Code R. 325.2198

1979 AC; 1983 AACS; 2001 AACS