NEW POOL REGULATION - REVISED August 2012

As a result of input to the Ministry of Health on the new Pool Regulation released in October 2010, the following changes have recently been made  August 2012 Revisions to the Pool Regulations.

This notice is to advise you that on October 8, 2010 the new Pool Regulation came into effect replacing the 1972 Swimming Pool, Spray Pool and Wading Pool Regulation.  Document can also be found at www.bclaws.ca within a few weeks.

As you will see the new regulation represents a shift from the prescriptive requirements of the previous regulation to an outcome-based approach.  Pool operators have been given one year to implement some components of the new regulation, including the requirement for a Safety Plan specific to each aquatic facility.  The Lifesaving Society is prepared to assist your facility in meeting this requirement and will now include a Safety Plan in each Aquatic Safety Audit performed.

You will also notice that the new regulation does not specify qualifications for lifeguards except that they be 16 years of age and familiar with the safety plan for the pool at which they work.  The Lifesaving Society is confident that this change will not affect the high Industry standard established over many years that has helped ensure public safety.  Despite not having been required in the previous regulation, NLS has become the recognized standard for lifeguard training in BC.

Other documents recently released by the Ministry of Healthy Living and Sport include a Q & A document to assist in the interpretation of the regulation as well as two draft Guideline documents (one for pool operation and one for pool design) meant to accompany the Regulation.  The Lifesaving Society will be collaborating with the BC Recreation and Parks Association to request input on these draft documents in order to submit a consolidated response by November 30 as requested by the Ministry.

The Lifesaving Society will continue to provide analysis of the new information over the next few weeks and look forward to working with you to meet the requirements of the new regulation.  We welcome your comments and questions and thank you for your continued support in keeping BC pools safe.