N.J. Admin. Code § 8:26-5.2

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 21, November 4, 2024

Section 8:26-5.2 - Swimming pool supervision

(a) Designated adult supervisor. A swimming pool shall be under the management of a designated adult supervisor who is knowledgeable of this chapter and who shall be responsible for all phases of the operation.

1. The name and telephone number of the designated adult supervisor shall be conspicuously posted.

2. For pools larger than 2,000 square feet, the designated adult supervisor shall possess pool director training certification. Current adult pool supervisors shall have until January 16, 2019, to obtain certification.

(b) At least one person currently certified in standard first aid and professional level infant, child, and adult cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) by a Department of Health approved organization listed in N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix A, shall be on the premises, available, and readily accessible when the swimming pool is in use.

1. First aid and CPR retraining shall be required prior to the expiration of an individual's certification.

2. A sign shall be posted indicating the location of first aid supplies.

(c) The maintenance and mechanical operation of a swimming pool shall be under the supervision of a trained pool operator (TPO).

1. The trained pool operator shall be available for mechanical and maintenance repairs and detection.

2. The trained pool operator shall have completed a pool operator course and shall have certification from a Department of Health approved organization listed in N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix A.

3. The trained pool operator shall visit the swimming pool at least once a week to review records and inspect the facility to ensure that it meets all regulatory requirements. Documentation of the visit shall be maintained onsite.

(d) Lifeguard requirements are as follows:

1. At least one lifeguard certified by an organization recognized by the Department of Health listed in N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix A shall be on duty at swimming pools with less than 2,000 square feet of surface area and 60 or less bathers, at all times when the swimming pool is in use. The lifeguard(s) shall operate according to a zone of protection plan.

2. At least two lifeguards certified by an organization recognized by the Department and listed in N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix A shall be on duty at swimming pools with greater than 2,000 square feet of surface area at all times when the swimming pool is in use. The lifeguards shall operate according to a zone of protection plan.

3. Additional lifeguards shall be required depending on bather load, bather activities, size, and configuration of the swimming pool, and amount of surface area for shallow and deep water areas, emergencies, and the lifeguard's ability to see bathers.

4. All on-duty lifeguards shall be identified by distinguishing apparel or emblems.

5. Lifeguards who are assigned to swimming pool supervision shall not have duties that would distract or intrude upon their attention from proper observation of persons in the swimming pool area, or that prevent immediate assistance to persons in distress in the water.

6. Lifeguards who are on duty shall not perform any activities that distract them or intrude upon their attention from proper observation of persons in the swimming pool area or that prevent immediate assistance to persons in distress in the water.

i. Such activities shall include, but not be limited to, texting, using a cell phone or electronic device for any purpose, reading, personal conversations, or listening to music.

7. Each lifeguard shall be equipped with a whistle or other signaling device.

(e) Lifeguard platforms or stands shall be provided for swimming pools where water surface area is greater than 2,000 square feet, or where there are diving areas, or where the depth of the water is greater than five feet.

1. Lifeguard platforms or stands shall be elevated and located at the water's edge, so as to provide a clear unobstructed view of the swimming pool surface and bottom.

2. Aquatic recreation facilities may utilize an alternative method to provide a clear unobstructed view of the swimming pool surface and bottom.

(f) Each facility shall establish a written standard operating procedure aquatics facility plan that shall be maintained onsite. It shall be implemented by each facility, shall take into account the number of bathers using the pool, and shall contain information including, but not limited to:

1. A diagram of the facility;

2. Swimming pool evacuation plans;

3. A schedule for and the number of lifeguards to be on duty depending on conditions and activities;

4. Responsibilities of all employees;

5. A list of emergency telephone numbers;

6. The location of first aid and rescue equipment;

7. Staff emergency procedures;

8. The location of the emergency shutoff switch for suction outlets;

9. Hours of operation;

10. A schedule of operational activities, such as water testing and recordkeeping; and

11. A zone of protection plan for the lifeguards.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:26-5.2

Amended by 50 N.J.R. 481(b), effective 1/16/2018