Common Hazards

What You Can See (Pool Damage, Environmental, Weather)

Hazards exist in all areas of the pool. It is the responsibility of the lifeguard to prevent as many of these hazards as possible. The best way to prevent most of the hazards that exist is by simply making sure that you are familiar with the pool area and the space in which you work. This initial walk-through of the facility should not be done alone but in the presence of a pool manager or supervisor that is familiar with the pool area. From day one, a lifeguard supervisor or pool manager will be able to give you specific knowledge about the pool area that may be unique to that specific pool or pool area. The first day on the job it is best to make sure you know where all the emergency exits are, where the AED and first aid kit are stored, where outside phone access can be found and if any outside number such as zero or nine must be dialed before reaching an outside line. Just because it may be your first day or your first week doesn’t mean that nothing will go wrong, it is always best to be prepared, even from the start to ensure you are ready no matter what the emergency may occur.

A. Pool Structure:

One main hazard is the pool structure itself. Cracking in the pool surface, loose side ladders, jagged external fences, slippery pool decks, and unstable slides and play structures are often the leading causes of cuts, scrapes and bruises. It is the responsibility of the lifeguard to inspect these structures before the pool opens to make sure everything is in safe working order. If a lifeguard is alerted to the presence of structures or equipment that is not in good working order, he/she must correct it right away so that no one gets hurt.

B. Main Drain Entrapment

A common hazard that exists in the pool is the strong suction that is located at the main drain areas of the pool bottom. Missing, loose, or damaged main drain grates can cause great injury. The possibility of ENTRAPMENT is always a number one concern in safety.

C. Weather

Although lifeguards can usually control the existence of many hazards in the pool area, one thing they cannot control is the weather. Fast-moving storms can often carry heavy rain, hail, and lightning. High winds and heavy rains can often disrupt proper surveillance of the pool area. As a general rule, if weather conditions exist that prevent the lifeguard from clearly seeing the pool bottom or the presence of the main drain, the pool must be closed. Lightening carries a high risk of electrocution. It is generally accepted that the entire pool area must be clear of bathers at 30minute periods at the sound of thunder 45 minutes after a lightning strike has been sighted (source). Bathers must not only be cleared from the pool basin but also the pool deck and bathhouse. Individuals should stay clear of any conductive materials such as pipes and water located in showers, phone lines, and conductive metals. The use of a dry erase board or posted indicator should be used to indicate the possible changing or reopening of the pool facility in the case of lightning. In the event of a tornado, the lifeguard should direct individuals to the nearest stable structure or low-lying area such as a ditch. Lifeguards should also keep in mind that when loss of power occurs, filtration, recirculation and disinfection of the pool water are not occurring. Lifeguards should check with their pool operator before opening the poolback up to the public.

D. Pump Room Dangers

Main poisonous and highly flammable chemicals are stored in the pump room of the pool facility. The facility’s Swimming Pool and Spa Operator should only handle these chemicals. If there is a fire in the pump room, make sure to clear the facility, keeping patrons at a safe distance. If someone is poisoned from ingesting chemicals, make sure to call poison control at 800-222-2212 or your local EMS. If chemicals are spilled on an individual, make sure to dilute the substance with large amounts of water for at least 15-20 minutes. Seek medical attention if you believe the injury to be a second- or third-degree burn. If it is a dry chemical, make sure to brush the chemical off first with a gloved hand away from the victim where there is no wind, then flush with large amounts of water. Chlorine gas leak. If chlorine gas is used as a disinfectant in the pool area and there is a chlorine gas leak, individuals should be directed to higher ground because chlorine gas is heavier than air and will collect in low-lying areas.

E. Distractions

Sometimes small distractions around the pool area can be the greatest hazard that might exist in the pool area. Since it sometimes only takes a few seconds for a life-threatening emergency to occur, it is key that the lifeguard always stays focused. Things such as talking to fellow lifeguards, using the facility phone or cell phone, reading, texting, listening to music on an mp3 player, or even daydreaming all add up to distractions that may exist on the job. (Article on Texting.) The best way to prevent these hazards is to simply avoid them. Make sure to leave all distractions such as cell phones in your locker or car so that they will not create a distraction. Inform fellow lifeguards, friends, or family that may be visiting the facility that you are on duty and cannot be distracted from your primary duties.

What You Don’t See: (Germs, Diseases, etc.)

The pool environment is a suitable environment for the presence, growth, and transfer of many disease-carrying bacteria and viruses. These germs are not born from the water, but brought in by individual bathers on their clothes, skin, hair, toys, etc. It is often required that all individuals take a shower to remove some layers of dead skin and body oils before entering the pool area.

Although transmission of disease-carrying bacteria and viruses does occur in water, greater precautions should be taken when physical contact is made. Lifeguards will often be exposed to open wounds where the upper layers of skin have been torn and blood is present. Lifeguards should not be deterred from acting due to the presence of blood and other bodily fluids, but instead, take the proper precautions to protect themselves. These include:

• The first line of defense is the use of physical barriers such as latex gloves and breathing barriers

• Lifeguards should have gloves and a breathing mask with them at all times, but if not, simply try and contact blood a little as possible. Use an additional barrier between yourself and the wound should have a sterile gauze pad.

• Thoroughly wash all areas with soap and disinfectant that might have contacted external fluids. Especially refrain from eating, drinking, or touching any areas of the eyes or mouth until the areas have been cleansed.

Spa Hazards

One of the main hazards found in spas and hot tubes is right in the name, the presence of higher-than-normal temperatures. Although most hot tubes are regulated so that they do not exceed 104 degrees, this is still much higher than the body’s internal temperature of 98.6 degrees. Emersion in these hot waters for long periods can cause the body to go into hyperthermia. This coupled with medical conditions such as heart disease can cause heart attacks and heat stroke. Below are some basic rules that bather should adhere to while using the hot tube:

• No food, drink, or alcohol is allowed.

• Maximum use should be limited to 10 minutes at a time.

• No immersion allowed.

• Individuals who have high blood pressure, heart disease or diabetes, who are pregnant, or who suffer from other medical conditions should not enter.

• Do not use soaps, oils, or lotions while in the hot tube.

• Children are not allowed.