14 Del. Admin. Code § 935-85.0

Current through Register Vol. 28, No. 7, January 1, 2025

Section 935-85.0 - Aquatic Procedures for Wilderness Adventure Facilities

85.1 A licensee shall ensure before engaging in an aquatic activity, each child shall be classified by the aquatic supervisor according to swimming ability in 1 of 2 classifications: swimmer and non-swimmer.

85.2 A licensee shall not permit a child to participate in an aquatic activity that requires higher skills than the child's swimming classification, except during formal instruction.

85.3 A licensee shall establish and enforce a method, such as the buddy system, for supervising children who are involved in an aquatic activity. The system used shall include procedures for check-in, check-out, and the periodic accounting for each child's whereabouts by a staff. A licensee shall ensure a staff accounts for each of the swimmers at least once every 10 minutes.

85.4 A licensee shall have and follow a written aquatic emergency plan for each activity. The plan shall include:

85.4.1 Rescue procedures and frequency of drills;

85.4.2 Child accountability;

85.4.3 Prompt evacuation; and

85.4.4 Notification of outside emergency services.

85.5 A licensee shall ensure swimming at sites other than a waterfront or pool that is on the premises of a licensee is supervised by an aquatic supervisor who is assisted by 1 aquatic observer for every 10 children in the water.

85.6 A licensee shall ensure the buddy system is used and that buddy checks are conducted every 5 minutes whenever swimming is permitted at non-permanent sites.

85.7 A licensee shall not permit swimming during periods of darkness unless the swimming pool has underwater and deck lighting that provides unrestricted vision.

85.8 A licensee shall ensure diving occurs only in designated areas.

85.9 For a facility or program that uses a natural diving or swimming area, such as a lake, river, bay, or ocean, a licensee shall ensure the following:

85.9.1 Hazards are assessed and eliminated or clearly marked before a child swims, dives, or bathes at a natural diving or swimming area;

85.9.2 Swimmers are not subjected to a dangerous condition such as a strong current, a sharp drop-off, a quicksand bottom, or rough surf;

85.9.3 Water is free from known dangerous aquatic life;

85.9.4 The bottom is free from known hazardous debris, sharp stones, and sharp shells;

85.9.5 Swimming, diving, and boating areas are clearly marked or roped off; and

85.9.6 Diving and swimming programs are conducted at separate times or in separate areas from boating programs.

14 Del. Admin. Code § 935-85.0

27 DE Reg. 599 (2/1/2024) (Final)