Procedures and Emergency
Aquatic supervision and emergency response should never be left to chance.
Every aquatic facility must have emergency procedures and a Supervision and Emergency Response Plan adapted to its specific circumstances, including the facility layout, activities offered, available equipment, supervision zones, and aquatic staffing levels.
To be effective, these procedures must be known, understood, and practised by all relevant staff members.
Procedures Adapted to Each Aquatic Facility
Emergency procedures and the Supervision and Emergency Response Plan must take into account the specific characteristics and operations of the facility.
The roles and responsibilities of staff members;
The person responsible for the aquatic facility during operating hours;
The facility’s safety rules;
Evacuation procedures;
Procedures to follow when a person is reported missing;
Communication methods, procedures, and codes;
Situations requiring the closure of a pool;
Procedures to follow in the event of a minor or major incident;
Supervision positions and zones;
The location and use of rescue equipment and supplies.
The plan must also take into account any features that could affect supervision or emergency response, such as waterslides, diving facilities, inflatable structures, whirlpools, multiple pools, visual obstructions, or special activities.
Informing and Preparing Staff
Every staff member must be familiar with the emergency procedures and Supervision and Emergency Response Plan specific to the aquatic facility.
When a new employee joins the team, the orientation process must therefore include providing this information as well as training specific to the facility.
Each person’s responsibilities during an emergency response;
Supervision zones and rotations;
Communication methods used at the facility;
Emergency and evacuation procedures;
The location of rescue and first aid equipment;
Facility-specific features that could affect an emergency response.
Practising Regularly
Knowing a procedure is not enough: staff must be able to put it into practice when an emergency occurs.
At least once a year, staff at an aquatic facility must participate in one or more training sessions covering the emergency procedures and Supervision and Emergency Response Plan. These training sessions must include an emergency evacuation drill.
Responses to minor and major incidents;
Evacuation of the aquatic facility;
Searching for a missing person;
Communication among team members;
Supervision rotations and zones;
The use of rescue equipment and supplies;
Rescue techniques adapted to the specific features of the facility.
A record of aquatic staff training and information sessions must be maintained.
When Should Procedures Be Reviewed?
Emergency procedures and the Supervision and Emergency Response Plan must remain up to date and adapted to the realities of the aquatic facility.
A review is particularly important whenever a change could affect supervision or emergency response, for example:
A modification to the facility or its equipment;
The addition of a new activity;
A change to supervision zones or methods;
A change in staff organization or staffing levels;
Any new situation that could affect emergency response procedures.
The procedures and plan must also be readily accessible to staff.
A Shared Responsibility
The operator of the aquatic facility is responsible for ensuring that the procedures are complete, up to date, accessible, and put into practice.
Each staff member is also responsible for knowing the emergency procedures and Supervision and Emergency Response Plan applicable to their workplace.
A prepared, informed, and well-trained team is better equipped to respond quickly and effectively when an emergency occurs.
Official Position
This official position of the Lifesaving Society is intended for aquatic supervision staff, lifeguards, and affiliate members. It has been in effect since 2016 and remains one of the organization’s official positions.