OPINION
New Guidance On Swimming Pool Supervision Technology For UK Swimming Pool Operators With swimming pool safety in commercial settings always the highest of priorities for operators, here we take a look at two guidance documents released this year which put the subject of ‘Automated Monitoring’ under the spotlight
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wimming pool technology continues to evolve with over 250 centres now utilising various technology systems to enhance safety and support in operational challenges. Guidance initially created in 2023 and updated in 2024 has been revised for 2025 with a relaunch to meet the industry’s needs. The updated edition of ‘Swimming Pool Supervision Technology: Guidance for Automated Monitoring and Detection Systems’ was developed with the support of CIMSPA, RLSS UK, Swim England and ukactive. The comprehensive guidance covers both lifeguarded and non-lifeguarded swimming pools, offering essential advice on the selection, installation, operation and training requirements associated with automated monitoring and detection systems, as well as outlining key performance and design criteria that pool operators should consider when selecting and managing these systems. Jo Talbot, Commercial Director at RLSS UK said: “Swimming pool supervision technology is advancing all the time. The updated guidance helps operators adapt to new technologies, ensuring safer swimming environments for everyone. Embracing new technology can help improve safety outcomes while supporting operational challenges and efficiencies.” The guidance was unveiled at an industry launch event hosted by GLL at The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Centre in Rugby, where pool operators, architects, safety professionals and key industry partners came together to learn about the updated guidance. Attendees had the opportunity watch live demonstrations and engage with the UK’s leading pool supervision technology suppliers - Lynxight, Poolview, AngelEye and Poséidon by Maytronics. Speaking at the time of the launch, Alan Ritchie National Pools and Water Safety Manager, GLL, said: “With over 50 professionals from our industry attending the event we hope to continue to pull
together making pools safer for everyone. The demonstrations of GLL’s latest Lynxight system showcased the benefits of technology and our team’s positive attitude towards it. GLL continues to work with and develop technology to make our pools safer whilst ensuring staffing models are reflective of the swimmer need in the water.” The working group will formally review the guidance every year in collaboration with CIMSPA, RLSS UK, Swim England, ukactive as well as independent swimming pool experts to ensure it reflects the latest technological advancements and industry best practice. Tara Dillon, CEO, CIMSPA, said: “The work that RLSS UK has been driving with facilities operators to explore how technology can be effectively used to support our highly skilled lifeguard professionals, is to be congratulated. Through collaboration, this work is demonstrating how safety can be further enhanced through the deployment of technology to help lifeguards who use their expert training to ensure that the public can enjoy and benefit from aquatic activity.” Richard Lamburn, Swim England’s Head of Facilities, said: “Swimming is the largest participation sport in the UK and it’s imperative that people can enjoy the water in the safest possible environment. Swimming pool supervision technology is advancing at great pace and the updated guidance for 2025 will assist operators to meet their needs. We look forward to continuing to work with RLSS UK, CIMSPA and ukactive
The updated guidance helps operators adapt to new technologies, ensuring safer swimming environments for everyone” 72 October 2025 SPN 72_SPN_October_2025_Opinion.indd 72
to evolve the guidance as the technology develops yet further.” Paul Crane, Risk & Standards Manager at ukactive, the UK’s trade body for the physical activity sector, said: “ukactive and representatives from our Standards & Legislation committee have collaborated closely with RLSS UK and its partners to develop this guidance that supports our members and their staff to ensure high levels of safety in the nation’s swimming pools. This guidance reflects the advancements in digital technology that are taking place across the physical activity sector and supports operators to utilise these properly to further improve safety measures for customers using their swimming pools and facilities.”
NON-LIFEGUARDED SWIMMING POOLS Following the launch of the updated guidance, a major milestone in swimming pool safety was reached with the launch of ‘Guidance for Managing Safety in NonLifeguarded Swimming Pools’ in June. Also developed by RLSS UK, CIMSPA, Swim England, and ukactive, this latest guidance supports operators in managing risk and improving safety standards in facilities without lifeguards. With the number of non-lifeguarded pools increasing – and with technology playing a growing role in poolside supervision – this guidance couldn’t be more timely. The guidance offers practical, evidencebased recommendations tailored to today’s operational realities. One key recommendation is the use of ‘Automated Monitoring and Detection Systems’, which can dramatically improve response times and add an essential layer of protection. The guidance document states “Operators of non-lifeguarded pools should consider implementing an Automated Monitoring and Detection system to increase the speed by which persons in danger are detected and provide an additional layer of protection”. Both of the guidance documents can be found online and downloaded free of charge from the RLSS website. RLSS UK 0300 323 0096 www.rlss.org.uk
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk 17/10/2025 14:10