[Pool name] pool safety operating procedure
Reviewed: [month year]
Document control
| Version | Review date | Reviewer | Changes made | Next review |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| [1.0] | [date] | [name] | [First version] | [date] |
Introduction
The Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP) consists of the Health and Safety Policy (HSP), the Normal Operating Plan (NOP) and the Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for the pool, changing facilities and associated plant and equipment.
This document uses the following terms:
Pool Owner: [name(s)]
Contact: [phone or other method]
Key Definitions and Supervision Responsibility
For the purposes of this Pool Safety Operating Procedure, the following terms are used:
Group Leader
The Group Leader is the person responsible for the supervision, safety, and behaviour of swimmers and visitors during a session.
Swim School sessions: the Group Leader is the designated Coach/Teacher responsible for the session.
Private Hire sessions: the Group Leader is the adult who made the booking. They remain responsible for the safety, supervision, and behaviour of their child(ren) and all members of their group, unless they have formally delegated this responsibility to another responsible adult within their group.
Swimmer
The term “swimmer” is used throughout this document to refer to anyone entering the pool, whether they are actively swimming or not. This includes children, adults, private hire users, swim school pupils, and any person entering the pool environment.
Health and Safety Policy
[Pool name] acknowledges its obligations under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, and recognises that many accidents, incidents, and cases of ill health are preventable. It is our intention to foster a positive safety culture and implement effective organisational arrangements to control risks to the best of our ability.
This policy applies to all staff, contractors, Group Leaders, swimmers, and visitors.
Our general policy is to:
Provide adequate control of health and safety risks arising from the use and maintenance of the pool.
Consult with Group Leaders and staff on matters affecting their health and safety.
Provide and maintain safe plant and equipment.
Provide relevant information and instructions to Group Leaders on health and safety issues.
Ensure that all staff are competent to perform their duties and suggest training where necessary.
Maintain safe and healthy working conditions.
Review and revise this policy regularly, and whenever necessary.
Responsibility for health and safety lies with the Pool Owner. However, Group Leaders are responsible for the health and safety of themselves and their group while in the pool complex.
Safeguarding and Child Protection
[Pool name] is committed to promoting the welfare of all swimmers, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and ensuring they are protected from harm.
All Swim School staff, Group Leaders, and any third-party hirers who deliver sessions to children must:
Be familiar with and follow the Swim School Safeguarding Policy.
Report any concerns about a child’s welfare or safety to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) immediately.
Ensure that all staff working directly with children have valid enhanced DBS checks.
Any safeguarding concerns will be dealt with in accordance with current statutory guidance and referred to the appropriate authorities where necessary.
A copy of the Swim School Safeguarding Policy is available upon request or via the Swim School website.
Group Leader Roles and Responsibilities
[Pool name] operates as a private hire swimming pool during certain sessions and does not provide lifeguards at these times. Therefore, Group Leaders are solely responsible for the health, safety, and behaviour of everyone in their group while using the pool complex.
All Group Leaders are expected to:
Always Adhere to the Normal Operating Plan (NOP) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP).
Maintain active supervision of their group throughout their time in the pool complex.
Ensure that neither they nor any group members interfere with equipment, signage, or procedures in place to safeguard health and safety.
Ensure that all group members:
Are aware of the pool rules, safety signage, and expected behaviour before entering the water.
Follow all safety instructions and pool rules.
Comply with the guidelines outlined in this Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP) and the Private Hire Guidance and Code of Conduct.
Conduct a pre-visit briefing to explain pool rules, procedures, and safety expectations.
Group Leaders must confirm that enough responsible adults are present to supervise the group. [Pool name]’s site-specific minimum supervision ratios are:
1 responsible adult to every 3 children under 8 years old.
1 responsible adult to every 6 children aged 8 years and over.
These ratios are minimum requirements based on the pool’s size, depth, private-hire model, absence of lifeguard provision during private hire, and [Pool name]’s site-specific risk assessment. Group Leaders must apply closer supervision where swimmers are young, weak, nervous, non-swimmers, have additional needs, or require support in the water.
Be aware of the location of emergency exits, lifesaving equipment, and the nearest first aid facilities.
Ensure that any accidents, incidents, or near misses are reported immediately and recorded in the appropriate logbook or reporting system.
Report any health and safety concerns, failures, or faults in safety equipment promptly to the Pool Owner.
Take responsibility for their own health and safety, as well as that of all individuals in their group.
Health and Safety Risks
A comprehensive risk assessment will be reviewed and updated at least annually, and immediately following any significant incident, accident, or operational change.
Consultation with Employees
[Pool name] does not have a recognised trade union; however, we are committed to consulting directly with staff on health and safety matters as necessary to ensure their wellbeing and compliance with legal obligations.
We encourage open communication and regular feedback from staff regarding safety concerns and involve them in the development and review of relevant procedures where appropriate.
Competency for Tasks and Training
Group Leader acceptance of these responsibilities is evidenced through the booking process, including acceptance of the Private Hire Code of Conduct, Swimming Agreement, booking terms and conditions, and any induction or safety information provided before first use. Records may be held through the booking portal, signed agreement, email confirmation.
Accident, First Aid and Work-Related Ill Health
The health, safety, and welfare of swimmers, visitors, staff, teachers, and Group Leaders is of paramount importance.
In the event of an accident, incident, near miss, or case of work-related ill health:
The incident must be recorded promptly in the Accident Book or incident reporting system, with full details.
The Pool Owners must be notified as soon as possible after the incident has been made safe.
Where appropriate, first aid should be provided by a suitably trained person on site, or emergency services should be contacted by calling 999.
Serious accidents, near misses, or cases of ill health may require further investigation and a review of relevant risk assessments, procedures, supervision arrangements, or safety controls.
The Pool Owner will assess whether the incident is reportable under RIDDOR.
RIDDOR reporting is only required where an incident is work-related and meets the reporting criteria under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations. This may include, but is not limited to:
the death of any person arising from a work-related accident;
specified injuries to workers;
over-7-day incapacitation of a worker;
certain injuries to non-workers, including members of the public, where they are taken directly from the premises to hospital for treatment;
certain dangerous occurrences or reportable work-related diseases.
Where a RIDDOR report is required, it will be completed by the Pool Owner or other responsible person as soon as reasonably practicable, based on the information provided by the Group Leader, teacher, staff member, injured person, or witness.
Monitoring
The Pool Owners will monitor the operation of the pool to ensure that Group Leaders, staff, teachers, and other users follow the requirements set out in this Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP), the Code of Conduct, and any relevant booking or hire conditions.
Monitoring will include, where appropriate:
periodic spot checks during pool use;
review of Accident Book and incident/near-miss records;
review of water-testing records and any pool-closure events;
checks that teachers, staff, and regular Group Leaders have received appropriate induction information;
review of any complaints, concerns, behaviour issues, or breaches of the Code of Conduct;
review of first-aid supplies and emergency equipment;
annual review of the PSOP, risk assessments, and related safety procedures.
Any issues identified through monitoring will be recorded where appropriate and followed up by the Pool Owners. Where necessary, this may include updating procedures, providing further information to staff or Group Leaders, issuing warnings, suspending access, or reviewing whether additional controls are required.
Normal Operating Plan (NOP)
The Normal Operating Plan (NOP) outlines the daily operation of [Pool name]. It includes details on the pool layout, equipment, usage procedures, user group characteristics, and any associated hazards or activity-related risks.
Details of the pool
| Pool detail | Measurement / requirement |
|---|---|
| Length | [10m] |
| Width | [5m] |
| Depth | [1.2m] throughout |
| Surface area | [50m²] |
| Approximate water volume | [60,000] litres |
| Operating temperature | [28.5°C to 30.5°C] |
| Maximum swimmer capacity | [number] swimmers in the pool at any one time |
| Minimum occupancy / lone swimming rule | No lone swimming. A minimum of 2 people must be present during pool use. |
The maximum swimmer capacity is [number] swimmers in the pool at any one time. This limit applies to people in the water and must not be exceeded.
For private hire parties or sessions where additional people may be present in the building, the Group Leader remains responsible for ensuring that no more than [number] swimmers are in the pool at any one time, and that spectators or non-swimmers do not cause overcrowding, block emergency access routes, interfere with supervision, or create additional poolside risks.
Lone swimming is not permitted. A minimum of two people must be present during pool use, one of whom must be the responsible adult or Group Leader.
Pool Layout and Facilities:
The pool is lined with porcelain tiles and has steps located in one corner for safe access and exit.
There are two changing areas: one includes a shower, and the other is an individual changing cubicle. Floors in these areas are fitted with non-slip tiling.
The pool building has level access and has been designed to be accessible where reasonably practicable. Users with specific access, mobility, changing, showering, or emergency evacuation requirements should contact [Pool name] before booking or attending so that suitability and any assistance needs can be discussed in advance.
Swimmers can enjoy scenic views of the countryside from the pool area.
Parking is available [location]. As this is a residential road and a shared access area, all users should always exercise caution, particularly when arriving, leaving, or supervising children.
User Groups and Responsibilities:
Swim Schools: Our Swim School operates sessions and is responsible for the health, safety, and behaviour of participants in their classes.
Private Sessions: Members of the public may hire the pool for private use by themselves, their friends, and/or family. The individual who makes the booking (the Group Leader) holds responsibility for the health, safety, and behaviour of all in their group.
Owner/Staff Sessions: When not booked by others, the pool may be used by the owners or staff, along with their friends and family. The person arranging the session acts as the Group Leader and is responsible for health, safety, and behaviour within their group.
A plan of the pool building can be found in Appendix A.
Potential Risks
A clear understanding of the main hazards and identification of particularly vulnerable users is essential for maintaining safe operating procedures.
The following hazards have been identified through the [Pool name] Risk Assessment as requiring specific control measures within this Pool Safety Operating Procedure, the Code of Conduct, Conditions of Hire, booking information, and poolside safety notices:
Inappropriate pool entry, including diving, head-first entry, bombing, jumping, or unsafe entry into the water.
Boisterous or unruly behaviour by swimmers or visitors.
Tag games, horseplay, acrobatics, throwing games, or misuse of inflatables, floats, toys, or teaching equipment in or around the pool.
Unauthorised access to the pool building, poolside, plant room, storage areas, or pool equipment.
Children or non-swimmers entering or returning to the pool area unsupervised, including from changing areas.
Inadequate supervision during swim school or private hire sessions.
Absence of, or inadequate response by, a Group Leader during an emergency.
Lone swimming or failure to ensure that a responsible adult or Group Leader is present during pool use.
Exceeding the maximum swimmer capacity of [number] swimmers in the pool at any one time.
Poor water clarity, water quality concerns, contamination, or plant/equipment faults affecting safe pool use.
Hygiene risks, including faecal, vomit, diarrhoea, blood, or other contamination of the pool or poolside areas.
Slips, trips, or falls on poolside, in changing areas, or when entering or leaving the building.
Incorrect or unsafe use of the pool cover or roller.
Medical conditions, disabilities, additional needs, or support needs that may require additional supervision, adjustments, or an individual risk assessment.
Safeguarding risks, including inappropriate access to changing areas, photography/filming, or unsupervised contact with children.
Emergency situations, including serious injury, casualty in the water, fire, lighting failure, structural failure, or emission of toxic gases.
These risks are managed through the Risk Assessment, Normal Operating Plan, Emergency Action Plan, Safeguarding Policy, Conditions of Hire, Code of Conduct, staff/teacher induction, Group Leader information, poolside signage, water-testing records, and ongoing monitoring by the Pool Owners.
Dealing with The Public
Safety information and pool rules are communicated to swimmers, Group Leaders, staff, and visitors through a combination of the following methods:
posters and notices displayed in the pool building, including urgent safety reminders or rules that require reinforcement;
the [Pool name] Code of Conduct and/or Private Hire Code of Conduct;
booking terms and conditions, Swimming Agreement, and portal-based acceptance where applicable;
booking confirmation emails or pre-arrival information;
email updates where new or amended safety rules need to be communicated;
verbal instruction or induction where required.
The Code of Conduct is made available to Group Leaders and pool users and may also be displayed within the pool building.
Access to the pool complex is controlled via a keypad at the entrance door. When the complex is not in use, the Pool Owner or authorised Group Leader is responsible for ensuring that the building is secured.
First-time Group Leaders are provided with relevant safety information before their first use of the pool. This may include the Code of Conduct, Swimming Agreement, booking terms, safety notices, emergency procedures, and any site-specific instructions.
Where possible, the Pool Owners aim to meet first-time Group Leaders in person to explain the facilities, pool rules, emergency procedures, access arrangements, and safety expectations. Where an in-person induction is not possible, the Group Leader must read and accept the relevant safety information, booking terms, Code of Conduct, and emergency procedures before using the pool.
Additional guidance or a personal induction may be provided where the Pool Owners consider it necessary, including for regular hirers, third-party organisations, teachers, or users with specific access or supervision requirements.
Enforcement:
Any breach of the Private Hire Guidance and Code of Conduct will result in a warning from the Pool Owner. Further breaches will lead to the termination of the current session. Repeat offenders may face termination of their contract.
Systems of Work
Overall Responsibility:
The Pool Owners are responsible for the overall operation and management of the pool, including safety procedures, pool plant, water quality, pool cover arrangements, emergency equipment, and site security.
Group Leader Responsibilities:
Group Leaders are responsible for the health, safety, supervision, and behaviour of all members of their group while using the pool complex. They must promptly report any accidents, incidents, near misses, broken equipment, damaged safety equipment, faults, or safety concerns to the Pool Owners.
Emergency Procedures:
In the event of an emergency, the Group Leader must call 999 where emergency assistance is required. The Group Leader must have access to a mobile phone with a usable signal during every session.
A reminder of the emergency number, full property address, and emergency location information is clearly displayed on the poolside notice board.
Safety Rules:
No diving or head-first entry is permitted at any time.
Lifesaving interventions should, wherever possible, be performed from poolside using the provided equipment, such as the reach pole, ring pole, or life buoy.
Group Leaders must ensure that pool rules are followed and that swimmers do not interfere with the pool cover, pool plant, emergency equipment, signage, or safety arrangements.
Operational Systems
The pool cover is used to retain heat and maintain pool conditions when the pool is not in use.
At the end of the final session each day, the pool cover must be safely replaced and the pool building securely locked. The Pool Owners remain responsible for the overall security and operation of the pool building.
Before using the pool, the Group Leader may be required to unlock the pool building and remove the pool cover to prepare the facility for use.
The pool cover must be handled carefully to avoid injury, damage to the cover, or creating a trip/slip hazard. Where possible, two responsible people should assist with removing and replacing the cover.
To remove the pool cover:
ensure swimmers remain away from the pool edge while the cover is being moved;
rewind the cover carefully onto the roller;
guide the cover up and over as required;
ensure the cover is fully and safely wound before swimmers enter the pool;
check that the cover, roller, straps, and any loose edges are not creating a trip hazard.
To replace the pool cover:
ensure all swimmers have left the pool before moving the cover;
carefully unwind the cover from the roller;
pull the cover safely across to the opposite end of the pool;
keep hands, feet, and loose clothing clear of the roller and moving parts;
ensure the cover lies flat and does not obstruct walkways or emergency access routes.
Group Leaders must not allow children or unauthorised persons to operate or play with the pool cover or roller.
Any faults, damage, difficulty operating the cover, or safety concerns must be reported to the Pool Owners immediately. If the cover cannot be moved safely, the Group Leader must not force it and must contact the Pool Owners for guidance.
Detailed Work Instructions
Diving Prohibited:
Diving into the pool is strictly prohibited, as the pool has a uniform depth of only [1.2 metres].Restricted Access to Plant Room:
Access to the Plant Room is strictly controlled and only permitted with the explicit permission of the Pool Owners.Water Quality Management:
Water sampling will be conducted before the pool complex opens each morning and if required at regular intervals throughout the day to ensure water quality and safety.
Backwashing of the filtration system will be carried out after the final swimming session of the day whenever possible, and not during swim sessions.
First Aid Supplies and training
First-aid arrangements for the pool are based on [Pool name]’s first aid needs assessment, considering the nature of the activities, the pool environment, staff, teachers, private hire users, swimmers, visitors, and reasonably foreseeable risks.
A fully equipped First Aid Kit and Accident Book are in the drawers on poolside. The seating area may be used as a First Aid Point where treatment is required.
The Pool Owners are responsible for regularly checking the First Aid Kit and replacing any used or expired items to ensure it remains suitable and ready for use.
During Swim School sessions, teachers and staff must follow [Pool name]’s emergency procedures and aid within the limits of their training and competence. When first aid is required, it should be provided by a suitably trained person where available.
The Emergency services must be contacted by calling 999 whenever an injury, illness, or other situation requires urgent medical assistance.
During Private Hire sessions, the Group Leader is responsible for the health, safety, and supervision of their group. The Group Leader must have access to a mobile phone with a usable signal throughout the session and must call 999 if emergency assistance is required.
Minor injuries, such as small cuts or knocks, may be treated poolside where appropriate. Any blood spillages must be cleaned and disinfected promptly to maintain hygiene and reduce the risk of contamination.
All accidents, incidents, near misses, or first-aid treatments must be recorded in the Accident Book or incident reporting system. They must also be reported to the Pool Owners as soon as possible.
Used first-aid materials, sharps, or contaminated waste must be handled safely. Group Leaders must not leave such waste within the pool complex unless disposal arrangements have been agreed with the Pool Owners. Any sharps, blood-contaminated materials, or other potentially hazardous waste must be reported to the Pool Owners so that appropriate disposal arrangements can be made.
Conditions of Hire to Outside Organisations
The conditions governing the hire of [Pool name] are outlined in the most recent version of the Private Hire Conditions.
For Swim Schools, specific terms and conditions are detailed within their individual contracts.
Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
The Emergency Action Plan (EAP) provides clear, specific instructions for all staff and Group Leaders to follow in the event of a foreseeable emergency. It outlines roles, responsibilities, and the immediate actions required to protect the health and safety of all pool users and staff.
Overcrowding
The pool measures 10 meters by 5 meters, with a consistent depth of 1.2 meters, resulting in a surface area of 50 square meters.
While general guidelines suggest a theoretical maximum of [number] swimmers based on space, due to the absence of a lifeguard, the maximum permitted bathing load is [number] swimmers. This is [Pool name]’s risk-assessed operating limit for this pool and must not be exceeded. (see the bathing load record).
Group Leaders are responsible for monitoring the number of swimmers in their group and ensuring this limit is not exceeded.
Once the maximum bathing load has been reached, no additional swimmer may enter the water.
If the maximum is exceeded:
Stop any additional swimmers from entering the pool.
Instruct sufficient swimmers to leave the water immediately to restore the permitted bathing load.
Ensure that swimmers leaving the water remain appropriately supervised, particularly where children are involved.
Suspend swimming if safe and effective supervision cannot be maintained.
Any repeated or significant breach must be reported to the Pool Owners and recorded in accordance with the pool’s incident-reporting procedure.
Disorderly Behaviour (Including Violence to Staff)
Inform the Group Leader immediately if disorderly, threatening or violent behaviour is observed.
If the offender is not part of your group, notify the Pool Owners as soon as possible.
The Group Leader must take reasonable steps to protect swimmers, staff and visitors. This may include stopping the session, clearing the pool and moving other people to a safe location.
Do not argue with the person or attempt physical intervention. Keep a safe distance and do not place yourself or others at unnecessary risk.
If there is an immediate threat to anyone’s safety, call the police by dialling 999 or 112.
After the situation has been made safe:
Notify the Pool Owners.
Record the incident.
Obtain the names and contact details of witnesses, where practicable.
Preserve any relevant evidence and cooperate with the police or other authorities.
Swimming must not resume until the Group Leader and Pool Owners are satisfied that it is safe to do so.
Lack of Water Clarity
If the water becomes cloudy or its clarity deteriorates during a session, stop all pool activities and clear everyone from the pool IMMEDIATELY and notify the Pool Owners
If water clarity is unsatisfactory before a session begins, do not allow anyone to enter the water.
Notify the Pool Owners, who will:
Keep the pool closed and prevent further entry.
Test the pool water, including free chlorine and pH.
Check the circulation, filtration and chemical-dosing equipment.
Investigate and correct the cause of the loss of clarity.
Record the fault, test results, corrective action and reopening decision in the pool log.
The pool may reopen only when:
The detail of the pool bottom can be seen clearly from the pool surround at its deepest point.
Free chlorine and pH are within the pool’s documented normal operating ranges.
The circulation, filtration and dosing systems are operating correctly.
The Pool Owner has confirmed that the pool is safe to use.
Faecal or Vomit Contamination
Clear the pool IMMEDIATELY upon contamination and prevent further entry.
Ensure all swimmers shower thoroughly using soap and water after leaving the pool.
Notify the Pool Owner. The Pool Owner will assess and manage the contamination. The pool must remain closed until the Pool Owner confirms that it is safe to reopen.
The Pool Owner will:
Remove all visible contamination using a scoop or fine-mesh net. Contamination must not be removed through the pool drains.
Dispose of the contaminant safely and disinfect all equipment used. Equipment used to remove solid faeces should be disinfected using a 1% hypochlorite solution.
Test the pool water for free chlorine and pH.
Confirm that the circulation, filtration and chemical-dosing systems are operating correctly.
Where solid faeces have broken up, cannot be completely removed or may have dispersed through the pool, follow the Diarrhoea Contamination procedure.
The pool may reopen only when:
All visible contamination has been removed
Free chlorine and pH are within the pool’s documented normal operating ranges
The water is clear and the pool floor can be seen clearly
The circulation, filtration and dosing systems are operating normally.
The Pool Owner has authorised reopening.
Diarrhoea Contamination
Clear the pool IMMEDIATELY upon contamination and prevent further entry.
Ensure all swimmers shower thoroughly using soap and water.
Notify the Pool Owner immediately. The pool must remain closed until the complete treatment procedure has been undertaken and the Pool Owner has authorised reopening.
No unauthorised personnel may enter the pool building until the Pool Owner gives the ‘all clear’.
The Pool Owner will:
Remove as much of the contaminant as practicable
Maintain the free-chlorine residual at the top of the pool’s documented operating range.
Maintain the pH at the bottom of its documented operating range, normally within pH 7.0 to 7.4.
Confirm that the correct coagulant dose is being applied continuously.
Monitor and record free chlorine and pH throughout the closure.
Vacuum and sweep the pool, then disinfect all equipment used.
Confirm that the circulation, filtration, disinfection and dosing systems are operating correctly.
After six turnover cycles, backwash the filters in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions and the pool’s normal operating procedure.
Complete the required rinse cycle or run water to drain for sufficient time to allow the filter media to settle before reconnecting the filter to the pool.
Where required by the pool’s written plant procedure, circulate the water for a further eight hours to allow the filter to ripen.
The pool may reopen only when:
Six complete turnover cycles (approx.12hrs: 6 x 2 hrs) have been completed and recorded
The required backwash and rinse procedures have been completed
Free chlorine and pH have returned to the pool’s documented normal operating ranges
Water clarity is satisfactory and the pool floor can be seen clearly
The circulation, filtration and chemical-dosing systems are operating normally
The incident, readings, turnover calculations, treatment, backwash, retest results and reopening time have been entered in the pool log
The Pool Owner has authorised reopening
Outbreak of Fire
On discovering fire or smoke, immediately raise the alarm and begin evacuation.
Call swimmers from the water immediately.
Instruct everyone to leave the building via the nearest safe exits and proceed directly to the fire assembly point:
Fire assembly Point
- [Assembly point]
The Group Leader must ensure that swimmers, particularly children and anyone requiring assistance, are appropriately supervised throughout the evacuation.
If it is safe to do so, a nominated competent person may carry out a quick visual sweep of the changing rooms, toilets, and showers while leaving the building. This must not delay evacuation, involve entering an area affected by fire or smoke, or place anyone at risk.
Close all doors and windows behind you as you leave, where it is safe to do so. Do not stop to collect personal belongings.
From a safe location, call the Fire and Rescue Service immediately by dialling 999 or 112. Emergency number: 999 or 112
Property address:
[Full address]- What3Words location: [///three.word.address]
Notify the Pool Owners as soon as it is safe and practicable to do so.
Do not re-enter the building or allow anyone else to do so until the Pool Owners or the Fire and Rescue Service confirms that it is safe. If the Fire and Rescue Service has not attended, re-entry must only be authorised in accordance with the premises’ approved fire-emergency arrangements.
Lighting Failure
Stop all pool activities immediately and instruct swimmers to leave the water carefully.
Assess whether the emergency lighting provides sufficient illumination for everyone to move safely. Provide assistance to children and anyone who may require help.
If adequate lighting is available, instruct everyone to change promptly and evacuate the building by the nearest safe exit. If the changing areas are not adequately illuminated, evacuate without changing and provide swimmers with towels or other coverings where available.
Do not allow anyone to delay evacuation to collect personal belongings.
Proceed to the designated assembly point and account for all swimmers, staff and visitors.
Close doors behind you where it is safe to do so, but do not lock them or delay evacuation.
Call the Pool Owner to report the lighting failure.
[Owner contact: name and phone]
Structural Failure
If any signs of actual or suspected structural failure are observed, stop all activities and evacuate the building IMMEDIATELY using the nearest safe exit.
Ensure swimmers leave the water carefully. Assist children and anyone who may require help.
Proceed to the designated assembly point and account for all swimmers, staff and visitors.
Call 999 if there is an immediate danger, anyone is injured or trapped, or part of the structure has collapsed.
Contact the Pool Owner as soon as possible.
Do not re-enter the building or allow anyone else to do so. Swimming must not resume until the building has been assessed by a suitably competent person and the Pool Owners have confirmed that it is safe.
Emission of Toxic Gases
If toxic gases or fumes are released within the pool building, stop all activities and evacuate IMMEDIATELY by the nearest safe exit. Move away from the source and, where possible, move upwind.
Do not attempt to locate, stop or clean up the release unless you are specifically trained, equipped and authorised to do so.
Call the emergency services from a safe location by dialling 999 or 112
Property address:
[Full address]What3Words: [///three.word.address]
Proceed to the designated fire assembly point only if it is safely away from the released gas or fumes. If it is unsafe, move everyone to another safe location upwind of the release and inform the emergency services of your location.
Account for all swimmers, staff and visitors. Immediately inform the emergency services if anyone is missing or may have been exposed.
Anyone experiencing breathing difficulties, coughing, chest tightness, eye irritation, dizziness or other symptoms must be reported to the emergency services.
Notify the Pool Owner as soon as it is safe to do so.
Do not re-enter the building until the emergency services and the Pool Owners confirm that it is safe.
Serious Injury to a Swimmer
Assess the injury and administer first aid within the limits of your training and competence
For a serious injury or medical emergency, call 999 or 112 and provide the following location information:
Property address:
[Full address]
- What3Words location: [///three.word.address]
Keep the injured person safe and warm, where appropriate, and follow any instructions given by the emergency services.
Clear the pool and ensure that all other swimmers remain appropriately supervised. Swimmers should be instructed to get changed and wait in the reception area. Children must not leave the premises unless collected by, or released to, an authorised adult. Contact the injured swimmer’s parent, guardian or next of kin as soon as practicable, where appropriate.
If a spinal injury is suspected, call 999 immediately. Do not move the injured person unless movement is necessary to maintain their airway or prevent immediate danger. Spinal injury management and removal from the water must only be attempted by people who are appropriately trained and competent.
Notify the Pool Owners as soon as possible. The Pool Owners will make any necessary arrangements, including cancelling subsequent swim sessions where required.
All accidents and serious injuries must be recorded in the Accident Book, located in the drawers on poolside. Record the information required by the Accident Book or incident-reporting system, including:
The injured person’s name and contact details
Contact telephone number
Their age, where relevant
A brief description of what happened
The apparent injury
The action taken and the names of those involved
Whether the emergency services or a parent, guardian or next of kin were contacted
The Group Leader and other relevant persons must cooperate with the Pool Owners by supplying the information reasonably required to record and investigate the incident. Failure to comply with the Pool Safety Operating Procedure may result in the suspension or cancellation of the group’s swimming-pool booking.
Discovery of a Casualty in the Water
Immediately raise the alarm, stop all pool activities and call for assistance.
Rescue the casualty using the safest appropriate method and available rescue equipment. An in-water rescue must be attempted only by someone who is trained and competent to do so. Do not place yourself or others in danger.
Remove the casualty from the water as quickly and safely as possible. If a spinal injury is suspected, follow the spinal-injury procedure and use trained assistance and the appropriate rescue equipment. Maintaining the casualty’s airway and breathing takes priority in a life-threatening situation.
Ask someone to call 999 or 112 and bring the First Aid Kit and automated external defibrillator.
The nearest defibrillator is at [location]. If it is in a locked cabinet, the 999 operator can give you the code.
Once the casualty is out of the water:
Check for a response and normal breathing.
If the casualty is not breathing normally, immediately give five initial rescue breaths, then begin CPR in accordance with current training. Apply the automated external defibrillator as soon as it is available, drying the casualty’s chest before attaching the pads.
Continue CPR and follow the defibrillator’s instructions until the casualty shows signs of life or the emergency services take over.
If the casualty is breathing normally but remains unresponsive, maintain an open airway, monitor their breathing continuously and follow the instructions given by the emergency services.
Ensure all other swimmers leave the water and remain appropriately supervised.
After the immediate rescue, follow the relevant requirements in Serious Injury to a Swimmer, including notifying the Pool Owners, contacting the casualty’s parent, guardian or next of kin where appropriate, and recording the incident.
Document Information
The Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP) will be reviewed and revised as necessary:
At intervals not exceeding 12 months
Following the installation, replacement or significant alteration of equipment
Following identification of a trend in minor accidents
After any structural changes
Following any significant accident, incident or near miss, including an accident requiring hospital treatment or a near drowning
Following relevant changes to legislation, recognised guidance or the pool’s risk assessments
Whenever experience indicates that the existing procedures may no longer be adequate
The Pool Owners are responsible for ensuring that each review is completed and recorded in the Document Control table.
Any revisions must be communicated promptly to all affected staff and Group Leaders. Where a revision changes responsibilities or emergency procedures, appropriate instruction or training must be provided before the revised procedure takes effect.
The current approved version must be readily available to everyone responsible for implementing it. Superseded versions must be clearly marked and retained as part of the document’s revision history.
Sources of Information
Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Managing Health & Safety in Swimming Pools, HS(G)179, fourth edition, 2018, updated February 2024.
Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (PWTAG), Code of Practice: The Management and Treatment of Swimming Pool Water, July 2021, last updated July 2025.
Appendix A: pool layout
[Attach your own pool layout plan showing exits, rescue equipment and the first aid point.]
