N.J. Admin. Code § 8:26-5.10

Current through Register Vol. 56, No. 11, June 3, 2024

Section 8:26-5.10 - Bathing beach supervision

(a) A bathing beach shall be under the supervision of a designated adult supervisor.

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

2. The hours of operation shall be conspicuously posted.

3. The designated adult supervisor shall inspect the bathing beach at least once a week to identify hazards, review records, and make sure the bathing beach meets all regulatory requirements. Documentation of the inspection shall be maintained onsite. The designated adult supervisor shall use a checklist prepared by the Department.

(b) At least one person currently certified in standard first aid and professional level infant, child, and adult 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 bathing beach is in operation. If the trained and qualified personnel are not beach-side, then the facility shall conspicuously post a sign indicating the location and method of access of such personnel. The facility shall demonstrate to the health authority that said personnel are available in reasonable proximity to the bathing beach. The qualified personnel shall be able to render assistance in a safe and timely manner.

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) Lifeguard requirements are as follows:

1. At least one lifeguard for every 300 feet of designated bathing area shall be on duty at all times when an ocean or bay bathing beach is in operation.

2. At least two lifeguards for every 300 feet of designated bathing area shall be on duty at all times when any other bathing beach is in operation, except when the designated bathing area is less than 100 feet, when only one lifeguard is required.

3. Additional lifeguards shall be required depending upon bather load, currents, tides, contour or slope of the beach, and any other condition(s) which may cause changes in water conditions.

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

5. Lifeguards who are assigned to supervision of the bathing beach shall not have duties that would distract or intrude upon their attention from proper observation of persons in the water and beach 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 water and beach area, or that prevent immediate assistance to persons in distress in the water, such as texting, looking at a cell phone screen, or listening to music.

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

8. For ocean and bay waters, a lifeguard training program certified by a Department of Health approved organization listed in N.J.A.C. 8:26 Appendix A shall be established by the owner or operator.

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

1. A map of the bathing beach, which shall show all known hazards;

2. Bathing beach evacuation plans;

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

4. Responsibilities of all lifeguards;

5. A list of emergency telephone numbers;

6. The location of first aid and rescue equipment;

7. Staff emergency procedures;

8. Hours of operation; and

9. A schedule of operational activities, such as recordkeeping, but not limited to, recordkeeping.

(e) Lifeguard stand requirements are as follows:

1. Lifeguard stations shall be located within 30 feet of the shoreline.

2. Lifeguards shall be isolated from the beach crowds on elevated stands.

3. These stands shall be high enough, so as to give the lifeguards a complete and unobstructed view of the bathing area.

4. There shall be at least one lifeguard on each stand.

(f) Hazard safety requirements are as follows:

1. Swimming areas shall be maintained in a clean and safe condition, free from rocks, holes, and hidden dangers.

2. Any known hazard in the vicinity shall be properly safeguarded and marked as such.

(g) The bathing beach shall be designated by buoys, flags, or other methods approved by the health authority.

N.J. Admin. Code § 8:26-5.10

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