USA Management has set the standards in swimming pool safety in the aquatic management industry. These standards are paramount for the safety and success of your aquatic facility operations. We define this standard as the reasonable supervision and protection of patrons using an aquatic facility anywhere across the country.
Some of the aquatic safety equipment that is necessary to provide swimming pool safety and quality care for patrons who visit your aquatic facility are:
- Rescue Tubes
- Lifeguard stations
- First aid kit
- Spinal board with head & neck supports
- Supplement oxygen
- Shepherds hook
- Face Mask
- Bag valve mask
- Coast Guard approved Life Jackets (CGLJ)
- Bloodborne kit
- Ring buoys & rope
- Automatic External Defibrillators (AED)
- V-suction device
- Fanny packs, etc.
USA Emergency Action Plan (EAP) and Water Safety Zone coverage will maintain the highest level of supervision and swimming pool safety. These standards are based on local/state regulations, industry standards and water scanning strategies. USA Management always recommends supervision by certified lifeguards for all operations of your swimming pools. Help us by doing your part by adapting guidelines and making water a safe and fun environment.
SOME
SWIMMING
POOL
SAFETY
GUIDELINES
Requirements vary by state, county, and facility type, so some pools operate without lifeguards while others must have them. Even where it is not mandatory, we recommend certified lifeguards, because posted rules alone cannot watch the water.
- Who does what: lifeguards, supervisor, and the person who calls 911
- How staff signal each other during an emergency
- Steps for rescue, first aid, and clearing the pool
- How the incident is reported afterward
- AED battery and pads checked before opening
- Oxygen and first aid kits stocked and unexpired
- Rescue tubes, hooks, and rings in place and undamaged
- Emergency phone tested and working
There is no single number. It depends on pool size and shape, bather load, and how clearly guards can see every part of the water. Each guard is assigned a zone so the whole pool is covered, and local regulations set the minimum.
- Pool rules and capacity limit
- Depth markings on the deck and wall
- Emergency phone location and 911 instructions
- Clear notice of whether a lifeguard is on duty
- Call a backup guard before opening
- Reduce capacity or close deep and remote zones
- Close the pool if required coverage cannot be met
- Log the change and inform management
Rules only work when enforced the same way every time. We recommend a simple ladder: a friendly reminder, a short time out, then removal from the pool, with each step recorded. This keeps staff consistent and treats every guest fairly.
Staff first give care and call emergency services, then complete a written report while details are fresh. Management reviews what happened, notifies required parties such as the insurer or health department, and updates procedures if a gap was found.
- Fencing, gates, and latches
- Drain covers and pool surfaces for damage
- Chemical storage and ventilation
- Signs, lighting, and lifeguard stations
Plan extra lifeguard coverage before the event, since crowds and distracted adults raise the risk. Set a guest limit, keep glass and alcohol out of the pool area, and have the host confirm that parents supervise their own children.