Highland County Health Department<br> Hillsboro, Ohio

The Highland County Health Department Swimming Pool Safety Program regulates public swimming pools. A public swimming pool is defined as any indoor or outdoor structure, chamber, or tank containing a body of water for swimming, diving, or bathing, but does not include a private residential pool. Sanitarians inspect the pool and associated locker/bathroom facilities for physical hazards, safety procedures, and chemical levels.

Pool operators regularly monitor chemical levels, perform maintenance, monitor swimmer safety, record injury, vomit, fecal, and other incidents, and perform many other important safety functions to ensure proper pool operation.

If you have a question or complaint about a public pool in Highland County, please contact the Highland County Health Department, Environmental Health Division.

Tips for operators

1. Record your chemical readings every time that they are taken. Regularly look at long term trends in your chemical levels.

2. Before opening the pool, and after closing it, simply walk around the pool facilities. Take note of damages, potential safety issues, and possible future problems. The faster an issue is recognized, the easier it is to fix.

3. Check your chemicals often. It is easier to keep your pool in compliance if you keep on top of your chemical levels.

4. Understand the workings of your filter system. Many systems require regular backwashing and maintenance. If you are not familiar with your filter operation, have someone who is give you some basic training.

5. Check on the credentials of your lifeguards. Life guarding certificates, CPR training, and first aid certificates all have expiration dates. If your lifeguards are not properly trained, you could be liable if an emergency occurs. If you are required to have 1 or more lifeguards, you must comply with the requirements in Ohio Code 3701-31-05.

General Pool Safety Tips

· Never swim alone. Keep an eye on those swimming with you, and ask them to do the same. Parents should make sure they are watching their children, even when a lifeguard is on duty.

· Don't drink alcohol if you are planning to swim or go boating. Alcohol slows reaction time and affects balance and judgment. About half of all drowning deaths for those over 14 involve alcohol.

· Use extra caution if you have a medical condition that can cause disability or loss of consciousness while in the water.

· Recognize a drowning person when you see one. Many people think that if someone is not calling for help, that person is not in trouble. Remember that when someone is drowning, he or she is trying to breathe, not speak. It may appear that the person is splashing or waving. Typically, the person thrashes in the water with arms extended, attempting to keep his or her head above water. In as few as 20 seconds or as long as a minute, a person can drown. Any delay can be fatal.

· Be certain that pools are inaccessible to children when closed. Inspect fences, gates, and other entrance areas to ensure that children cannot gain access to a closed pool.