Swimming pool risk assessment template

[Pool name] swimming pool risk assessment

• Assessor(s): [names]
• Date of original assessment: [date]
• Last review: [date]
• Next review due: [date]
• Related documents: Pool Safety Operating Procedure (PSOP), Private Hire Conditions, Private Hire Guidance and Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy, Terms and Conditions, Privacy Notice

Risk rating guide: High = urgent action needed, or significant harm likely without controls. Medium = controls needed and monitored. Low = controlled risk with routine monitoring.

Pool design: blind spots / glare

Who might be harmed: All pool users, staff, teachers and Group Leaders

Control measures:

• Pool is compact and visible from poolside, with users supervised according to session type.
• Competent staff/teachers and Group Leaders are required to maintain active supervision.
• Lifesavers/teachers/Group Leaders should move around poolside where needed to maintain a clear view of the pool bottom.
• A mobile screen is available to help manage glare where required.
• If visibility of swimmers or the pool bottom is affected, the activity must be paused until safe visibility is restored.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Monitor glare and visibility during sessions, particularly in bright weather. Review after any visibility concern or near miss.

Pool surround: slips, trips and falls

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Non-slip floor surfaces are provided around the pool and changing areas.
• Cleaning routines are in place.
• Poolside should be checked daily and before use where relevant.
• Outdoor footwear is not permitted in the changing rooms or poolside.
• Spillages or wet areas creating additional risk should be dealt with promptly.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Continue daily visual checks and cleaning. Record and action any flooring defect or repeated slip concern.

Insufficient lighting

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Suitable lighting is provided in the pool building.
• Lighting is subject to routine maintenance and repair where faults are identified.
• If the bottom of the pool cannot be clearly seen, swimmers must not enter the pool or must be cleared from the water.
• Lighting failure is covered in the Emergency Action Plan.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Report and repair lighting faults promptly. Review after any lighting failure or near miss.

Environment: humidity / air temperature / poolside comfort

Who might be harmed: All, particularly spectators, children and staff/teachers

Control measures:

• Air handling and dehumidification systems are in place.
• Pool and air conditions are monitored as part of normal operation.
• Users are advised that poolside is warm and humid.
• Spectators are advised to wear light clothing and bring drinking water in a non-glass bottle.
• External doors should be kept closed to help control humidity and noise.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Weather changes can affect indoor pool conditions. Continue advising spectators and review if heat/humidity concerns are raised.

Pool inlets and outlets: entrapment / suction / sharp edges

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Inlets and outlets have suitable covers to reduce the risk of limbs or fingers becoming trapped.
• Visual checks are carried out as part of routine pool operation.
• Undue suction must not be present and grilles/covers must be secure.
• There should be no exposed sharp edges.
• Any damaged, loose or missing cover must be reported immediately and the pool must not be used where a serious entrapment, suction or injury risk is identified.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Inlets, outlets, grilles and covers should be checked as part of routine inspections. Apertures should be checked against current relevant swimming pool equipment standards, including BS EN 13451 where applicable.

Pool access steps

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Pool access is via steps located in one corner of the pool.
• Steps are visually checked for damage, sharp edges, loose surfaces or other hazards.
• Users are expected to enter and exit carefully.
• Diving and head-first entry are prohibited.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Record and repair any damaged step or access concern promptly.

Unauthorised access

Who might be harmed: Children, private-hire users, visitors, staff and owners

Control measures:

• Pool building is secured when not in use.
• Access is controlled by keypad, key safe and/or authorised access arrangements.
• Access details must only be used by authorised users and must not be shared with unauthorised persons.
• Pool Owners, Swim Teachers and authorised Group Leaders check the pool area as part of opening and closing procedures where relevant.
• Pool cover is used when the pool is not in use.
• Children must not enter the pool building or pool area unsupervised.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Access arrangements should be reviewed periodically and following any unauthorised access concern. Codes should be changed where access control may have been compromised.

Water quality: chemical imbalance, poor clarity, contamination or plant failure

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Pool water quality is managed by the Pool Owners in accordance with the PSOP, current pool-water guidance and site-specific operating procedures.
• Pool water tests, including disinfectant level, pH, water clarity and temperature, are carried out before use and at appropriate intervals where required.
• Water clarity is checked before use; if the pool bottom cannot be clearly seen, the pool must not be used.
• Results are recorded in the pool water testing log.
• Pool water must remain within required operating parameters before swimmers enter the water.
• Filtration, circulation and water-treatment systems are checked as part of normal operation.
• Planned preventative maintenance is in place, with reactive maintenance where faults or concerns are identified.
• Specialist contractors are used where required for servicing, inspection, repair or maintenance of pool water-treatment plant and equipment.
• Pool water samples are submitted for laboratory testing periodically, usually [3 to 4] times a year, and results are retained.
• Pool chemicals are managed exclusively by the Pool Owners. Staff, swim teachers, Group Leaders and private-hire users must not handle or adjust pool chemicals.
• If water quality, chemical levels, clarity, contamination, or plant operation gives cause for concern, the Pool Owners will assess the risk and take appropriate action. This may include further testing, adjustment of chemical levels, restricting use, or closing the pool where necessary until the Pool Owners confirm it is safe to use.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Refer to the Pool Safety Operating Procedure, water-testing records, laboratory sample results, current pool-water guidance, and maintenance records. Any abnormal readings, failed samples, contamination events, closures, or significant corrective actions should be recorded and investigated where appropriate.

Deep water / shallow water supervision

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Pool depth is [1.2m] throughout, with no separate deep or shallow end.
• Diving and head-first entry are prohibited at all times.
• Supervision arrangements are set out in the PSOP.
• During Swim School sessions, supervision is provided by the designated Swimming Teacher/Coach.
• During Private Hire sessions, the Group Leader is responsible for supervision of their group.
• Children must be supervised at all times, including where changing areas lead directly to poolside.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Review supervision arrangements following any incident, near miss, change in activity or change in user group.

Diving / jumping / head-first entry

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Diving and head-first entry are strictly prohibited due to the pool's uniform depth of [1.2m].
• This includes shallow dives, kneeling dives, glides, racing starts or any entry where the head enters the water first.
• Only feet-first entries are permitted, such as step-in, sit-and-slide, swivel entry or controlled jumps where appropriate.
• Clear warning signs are displayed to advise swimmers of the pool depth and no-diving rule.
• Swimming Teachers, staff and Group Leaders must actively prevent swimmers from attempting to dive or enter head first.
• Any breach of the no-diving rule must be reported to the Pool Owners and recorded where appropriate.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Keep wording consistent with PSOP, Code of Conduct, Conditions of Hire and poolside signage.

Level and quality of supervision: programmed sessions / risk of drowning

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Supervision arrangements are defined in the Normal Operating Plan and Emergency Action Plan.
• Swim School sessions are supervised by competent and appropriately trained Swimming Teachers/Coaches.
• Staff and teachers receive induction information and ongoing updates where required.
• Private Hire sessions are not lifeguarded. The Group Leader is responsible for supervising their group at all times.
• A maximum of [number] swimmers are permitted in the pool at any one time.
• Lone swimming is not permitted.
• A competent adult swimmer must always be present where children are in the pool and must be capable of assisting in an emergency.
• The Group Leader must have access to a mobile phone and must call 999 where emergency assistance is required.
• Emergency procedures are displayed on site and set out in the PSOP.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Review controls following any accident, near miss, safeguarding concern, complaint, change in user group or change in pool operation.

Swimmers with additional needs or disabilities

Who might be harmed: Swimmers, parents/guardians, staff and teachers

Control measures:

• Parents/guardians are asked to provide relevant information about any disability, additional need, support need or special educational need during registration or before attendance.
• Information provided is used to support safe and appropriate swimming tuition and to consider reasonable adjustments where required.
• Where a swimmer may require additional supervision, support, adaptation or a different teaching approach, this should be discussed with the parent/guardian and Swimming Teacher.
• An individual risk assessment may be completed where required.
• Participation may be fully integrated, integrated with support or adapted where appropriate and safe to do so.
• Relevant information is handled in line with the Privacy Notice and Safeguarding Policy.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Review individual needs where circumstances change, following a concern, or where the swimmer's needs cannot be safely managed within usual lesson arrangements.

Swimmers with known medical needs

Who might be harmed: Swimmers, parents/guardians, staff and teachers

Control measures:

• Parents/guardians are asked to provide relevant medical information during registration and to keep [Pool name] updated of any changes.
• Medical information is considered when assessing lesson suitability, supervision needs and reasonable adjustments.
• Swimmers with known medical needs must be supervised appropriately.
• Swimming Teachers should be made aware of relevant medical information where necessary for safety and lesson delivery.
• Emergency procedures are in place and emergency contact details are held where appropriate.
• Where a medical condition presents additional risk, an individual risk assessment may be completed.
• For swimmers with epilepsy, diabetes, severe allergies, asthma or other relevant conditions, additional precautions may be agreed with the parent/guardian where required.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Medical information must be handled securely and shared only with those who need to know for safety, safeguarding or lesson delivery purposes.

DBS checks / safeguarding and child protection

Who might be harmed: Children, vulnerable adults, staff, teachers, volunteers, contractors and visitors

Control measures:

• [Pool name] has a Safeguarding Policy in place.
• All staff and swim teachers working directly with children must have an appropriate enhanced DBS check in place before commencing work.
• Relevant staff and swim teachers must hold current safeguarding training.
• Contractors, volunteers, assistants or external coaches may require appropriate safeguarding checks depending on their role, level of contact with children and whether they are supervised.
• Safeguarding concerns must be reported to the Designated Safeguarding Lead without delay.
• Staff must follow the Code of Conduct, Safeguarding Policy and reporting procedures.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: DBS records, safeguarding training records and safeguarding policy review dates should be checked as part of the annual review.

First aid provision

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• First-aid arrangements are based on [Pool name]'s first-aid needs assessment.
• A fully stocked First Aid Kit and Accident Book are available poolside.
• The Pool Owners are responsible for checking the First Aid Kit and replacing used or expired items.
• During Swim School sessions, staff and teachers must follow emergency procedures and provide assistance within the limits of their training and competence.
• During Private Hire sessions, the Group Leader is responsible for the health, safety, supervision and first-aid needs of their group.
• Group Leaders must have access to a mobile phone with a usable signal and must call 999 where emergency assistance is required.
• PPE should be used where appropriate when providing first aid.
• All accidents, incidents, near misses or first-aid treatments must be recorded and reported to the Pool Owners.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: First-aid provision should be reviewed annually, following any significant incident, or where the nature of activities or users changes.

Rescue equipment

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Suitable rescue equipment is available poolside.
• Rescue equipment includes a reach pole, ring pole, life buoy, First Aid Kit and emergency information.
• Lifesaving interventions should, wherever possible, be carried out from poolside using the rescue equipment provided.
• Staff, teachers and Group Leaders are made aware of the location of rescue equipment and emergency procedures.
• Rescue equipment must not be removed, misused, obstructed or used for play.
• Equipment is checked periodically and any damage or missing equipment must be reported immediately.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Injured persons with a suspected spinal injury should not be moved unless necessary to preserve life or prevent further immediate danger. Call emergency services.

Pool equipment: floats, toys and teaching aids

Who might be harmed: Swimmers, staff, teachers and Group Leaders

Control measures:

• Pool equipment, including floats, woggles, toys and teaching aids, should be kept in good condition.
• Equipment should be visually checked before use and removed from use if damaged, unsafe or unsuitable.
• Swimmers must not misuse equipment or use it in a way that creates a risk to themselves or others.
• Equipment should be returned to its storage area after use.
• Perishable items such as floats and woggles should be rinsed or cleaned periodically to prolong their life and maintain hygiene.

Risk rating: Low

Further action and review: Damaged or deteriorated equipment should be removed and replaced where required.

Pool cover: covering the pool

Who might be harmed: Staff, teachers, Group Leaders and private-hire users

Control measures:

• Pool cover operation should preferably be carried out by two responsible people.
• One competent adult may operate the cover alone where it is safe to do so.
• Children and unauthorised persons must not operate or play with the pool cover or roller.
• All swimmers must leave the pool before the cover is moved.
• The cover should be unwound carefully using the roller mechanism.
• Keep hands, feet, loose clothing and other items clear of the roller and moving parts.
• The cover should be pulled safely across to the opposite end of the pool and left lying flat.
• The cover must not obstruct walkways or emergency access routes.
• Any difficulty, jamming, damage or safety concern must be reported to the Pool Owners. The cover must not be forced.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Safe working practice should be followed. Review whether a manual-handling assessment or pool-cover instruction notice is required.

Pool cover: removing the cover

Who might be harmed: Staff, teachers, Group Leaders and private-hire users

Control measures:

• Pool cover removal should preferably be carried out by two responsible people.
• One competent adult may operate the cover alone where it is safe to do so.
• Children and unauthorised persons must not operate or play with the pool cover or roller.
• Swimmers must remain away from the pool edge while the cover is being moved.
• The cover should be wound carefully onto the roller using the wheel mechanism, ensuring the cover goes up and over correctly.
• The cover should be fully and safely wound before swimmers enter the pool.
• Ropes, straps, loose edges and the roller area must be checked to ensure they do not create a trip hazard.
• Any difficulty, jamming, damage or safety concern must be reported to the Pool Owners. The cover must not be forced.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Safe working practice should be followed. Review whether a manual-handling assessment or pool-cover instruction notice is required.

Goggles / masks

Who might be harmed: Swimmers and teachers

Control measures:

• Goggles used should be made of unbreakable plastic or rubber.
• Swimmers should be taught to remove goggles by slipping them off the head rather than stretching and releasing the retaining band.
• Teachers should monitor inappropriate use of goggles or masks and intervene where necessary.

Risk rating: Low

Further action and review: Review following any eye injury or concern relating to goggles/masks.

Changing facilities

Who might be harmed: Children, parents/guardians, staff, teachers and visitors

Control measures:

• Individual changing areas are provided.
• Parents/guardians are responsible for supervising and assisting their own children in the changing areas where required.
• Children must not be left unattended in changing areas, poolside or the pool building.
• Staff must not enter changing rooms unless necessary for supervision, safety or emergency reasons, and where possible another adult should be present.
• Mobile phones, cameras and filming are not permitted in changing rooms.
• Any safeguarding concern in or around the changing facilities must be reported to the DSL or Pool Owners.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Changing-area procedures should remain aligned with the Safeguarding Policy and Terms and Conditions.

Hygiene

Who might be harmed: All

Control measures:

• Swimmers are encouraged to shower before entering the pool.
• Outdoor footwear is not permitted in the changing rooms or poolside.
• Children under the age of 4, or any child at risk of a toilet accident, must wear both a disposable swim nappy and a neoprene over-nappy.
• Used nappies must be taken home by the supervising adult.
• Swimmers must not use the pool if suffering from a contagious illness, diarrhoea, vomiting or other condition that may affect pool hygiene or water quality.
• In the event of faecal contamination, vomit, diarrhoea contamination, blood contamination or any other hygiene concern, the pool must be cleared immediately and the Pool Owners notified.
• Swimmers must not re-enter the pool until the Pool Owners confirm it is safe to do so.
• Cleaning and disinfection arrangements are in place for poolside and changing areas.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Hygiene procedures should remain aligned with the PSOP, Private Hire Conditions of Hire and Private Hire Guidance/Code.

Private Hire sessions: not lifeguarded / Group Leader responsibility

Who might be harmed: Private hire users, children, Group Leaders and visitors

Control measures:

• Private Hire sessions are not lifeguarded.
• The Group Leader is responsible for supervision, safety, behaviour and first-aid arrangements for their group.
• The Group Leader must be aged 18 or over and must remain present throughout the booking.
• Lone swimming is not permitted.
• A maximum of [number] swimmers are permitted in the pool at any one time.
• Children must never be left unattended in the pool or pool building.
• The Group Leader must have access to a mobile phone and must call 999 where emergency assistance is required.
• Private hirers must follow the Conditions of Hire, Code of Conduct, PSOP, poolside notices and booking instructions.
• CCTV is installed for safety and security purposes but is not actively monitored and must not be relied upon for supervision or emergency assistance.
• Access to the plant room and storage areas is restricted to authorised personnel only.

Risk rating: Medium

Further action and review: Review following any incident, breach of Conditions of Hire, complaint or significant change to private-hire arrangements.

Annual review sign-off