Rule 591-1-1-.35 - Swimming Pools and Water-related Activities(1) Local Approval. When permanent swimming or wading pools are located on the center premises, applicable local regulations regarding the design, construction, operation and maintenance shall be followed.(2) Accessibility of Pools. All swimming and wading pools shall be inaccessible to children except during supervised activities.(3) Supervision of Children in Water Over Two (2) Feet Deep. For water-related activity (such as swimming, fishing, boating or wading) in water over two (2) feet deep, continuous supervision of children must be provided as follows: Ages of Children | Staff:Child Ratio* |
Under two and one-half (2 1/2) yrs. | 1:2 |
Two and one-half (2 1/2) to four (4) yrs. | 1:5 |
Four (4) yrs. and older who cannot swim a distance of fifteen (15) yards unassisted ** | 1:6 |
Four (4) yrs. and older who can swim a distance of fifteen (15) yards unassisted ** | 1:15 |
* At least one person must have current evidence of having completed successfully a training program in lifeguarding offered by a water-safety instructor certified by the American Red Cross or YMCA or YWCA or other recognized standard-setting agency for water safety instruction. Such person may be a Center Staff member or an employee of a water facility (e.g., local swimming pool).
** In lieu of requiring each child to take a swimming test to determine whether the child can swim a distance of fifteen (15) yards unassisted, Center Staff may accept copies of certificates or cards from a recognized water-safety instruction organization showing that the child has successfully completed a swimming class which required the child to swim a distance of fifteen (15) yards unassisted.
(4) Supervision of Children in Water Less than Two (2) Feet Deep. For water-related activity (such as swimming, fishing, boating or wading) in water less than two (2) feet deep (such as a wading pool), continuous supervision must be provided in accordance with normal Staff:child ratios which are as follows: Ages of Children | Staff:Child Ratio* |
Infants less than one (1) year old or children under eighteen (18) months who are not walking | 1:6 |
One (1) year olds who are walking | 1:8 |
Two (2) year olds | 1:10 |
Three (3) year olds | 1:15 |
Four (4) year olds | 1:18 |
Five (5) year olds | 1:20 |
Six (6) years and older | 1:25 |
(5) Additional Supervision. At least one (l) additional Staff member above the required Staff:child ratios for any water-related activity (such as swimming, fishing, boating, or wading) shall be available to rotate among the age groups as needed when any of the following circumstances are present: the majority of the children in a group are not accustomed to or are afraid of the water; the majority of the children in a group comprised of children who cannot swim a distance of 15 yards unassisted cannot touch the bottom of the water facility without submerging their heads; the water facility is particularly crowded; or the children have special needs which impact on their ability to participate safely in the water-related activity.(6) Parental Permission. No child shall participate in a swimming activity without the Parents' written permission.(7) Use of Wading Pools. Wading pools shall be cleaned and filled with clean water for each day's usage and emptied when not in use.Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 591-1-1-.35
O.C.G.A. § 20-1A-1 et seq.
Original Rule entitled "Swimming Pools and Water-related Activities" adopted. F. Dec. 23, 1997; eff. Mar. 1, 1998, as specified by the Agency.Amended: F. Dec. 4, 2015; eff. Dec. 24, 2015.Amended: F. May 26, 2017; eff. June 15, 2017.