Saint Paul Public Schools

Aquatics Handbook Saint Paul Public Schools Aquatics Handbook

Table of Contents

Preface 3 District Aquatics Administration 3 District Aquatics Programs 3 Pool Security Procedures 5 Duties of Instructors and Coaches 6 Duties of Lifeguards 6 Additional Duties of All District Pool Employees 7 Duties of Custodians and Engineers 8 Pool Maintenance and Cleaning 8 Pool Closures 8 Swimming Pool Rules and Regulations 8 Emergency Procedures 9 Emergency Action Plan 10 Sample Forms 11

2 Preface

The purpose of the aquatic program is to provide the maximum number of people in the community, from infants and students to senior citizens, with the skills and activities necessary to safely enjoy being in and around water. As educators in a state which boasts thousands of lakes as recreational attractions, we are committed to teaching safety and water survival skills for people to use whether they are in the water by choice or accident. Our programs are also designed to encourage participation in water activities as a means of lifetime recreation, competition, cardiovascular improvement, and therapy.

District aquatic facilities include the following pools: Cherokee Heights Elementary, Paul and Sheila Wellstone Elementary, Como Park Elementary, Bridge View Elementary, Murray Junior High, and Arlington, Central, Como Park, Harding, Highland Park, Humboldt and Johnson Senior High Schools.

This handbook is designed to provide written guidelines for District Aquatic Personnel on the policies, procedures and administration of the District's swimming facilities.

District Aquatics Administrator

Major Duties and Responsibilities:  Develop and maintain administrative procedures necessary for the safe, efficient, and effective operation of District pools.  Develop and maintain and Emergency Action Plan (EAP) for each pool facility.  Provide in-service trainings of District instructors, pool coordinators, coaches, lifeguards, attendants and pool engineers of school, athletic, and Community Education programs.  Develop and maintain a current handbook of the District’s Aquatic Program that includes policies and procedures.  Develop a schedule for the annual cleaning and maintenance of all District pool facilities with input from K-12 Administration, Athletics, Community Education, and Facility operations.  Evaluate all pool staff annually (or by season if more appropriate) in regard to certifications, understanding and compliance with District policies, and the actual practicing of Emergency Action Plans (EAP) as recommended by the American Red Cross, Minnesota State High School League, or the Minnesota Department of Health.  Assess the maintenance practices, first aid, safety, and emergency equipment, and general condition of the pool facilities on a regular basis and correct or report the deficiencies.  Promote American Red Cross swimming classes and lifeguard training.

District Aquatics Programs

 Elementary Schools and Therapeutic Pools Minimum of two staff per class, in-serviced annually in first aid and the emergency action plan. Between the two staff the following certifications must be current: American Red Cross

3 Lifeguarding/First Aid, American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard, and American Red Cross Water Safety Instructor.

The recommended number of students per aquatics class is limited to 30 students. Additional lifeguards or monitors for each class will be determined by the aquatics instructor. A monitor is defined as anyone instructed by the aquatics instructor to watch an area of the pool during class.

 Secondary Schools Minimum of one licensed teacher per class. Teacher must be currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard and in- serviced annually in first aid and the emergency action plan.

 Substitute Teachers (daily or long-term) To be used as the primary instructor in the pool, substitute teachers must be currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/ First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard, in-serviced in first aid and the Emergency Action Plan, and approved by the school principal.

To be used as a monitor in the pool, the substitute teacher must be in-serviced in the Emergency Action Plan and be approved by the school principal.

 Field Trips o Near Water One adult currently certified in American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard must be present at all field trips where students are next to or near water.

o On Water One adult currently certified in American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard must be present at all field trips where students are on water (canoe, paddleboat, etc). Lifeguard must be in-serviced in a site specific Emergency Action Plan. Lifejackets must be made available to all students.

o In Water One adult currently certified in American Red Cross Waterfront Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard must be present at all field trips where students are in water.

 Athletics, Synchronized Swimming, Intramural Aquatic Activities, Private Swim Clubs Minimum of one person currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard.

4 Minimum of one coach per team certified American Red Cross Safety training for Swim Coaches and in-serviced in first aid and the Emergency Action Plan.

 Community Education o Open Swim Minimum of two staff currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard, one of whom must be at least 18 years of age.

o Lap Swim Minimum of two staff currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard, one of whom is at least 18 years or age.

o Adult/Youth Lessons Minimum of one staff currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard must be on the deck guarding during instructional classes.

The American Red Cross recommends the following minimum instructor to participant ratios: -Parent and Child Aquatics: 1 instructor for every 10 parent/child pairs -Preschool Aquatics and Learn-to-Swim levels 1-3: 1 instructor for every 6 participants -Learn-to-Swim levels 4-6 and Basic Water Rescue: 1 instructor for every 10 participants

o Rentals Minimum of two staff currently certified in American Red Cross Lifeguarding/First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard, one of whom must be at least 18 years of age.

o Lifeguard to Swimmer Ratios The following lifeguard to swimmer ratios have been established for Community Education open swims and pool rentals: 2 guards = 1-30 swimmers 3 guards = 31-45 swimmers 4 guards = 46-75 swimmers

Pool Security Procedures

Only authorized certified aquatic personnel 18 years of age or older should have keys and it is absolutely necessary that no one but a certified aquatic staff person open the pool for participants. No pool should be opened until the person in charge has made a check of the pool area to assure it is in proper condition to use. A checklist must be posted in the pool area. This checklist should include the water quality, safety equipment, the emergency telephone and the general pool environment.

5 Once opened, the certified aquatic staff person(s) in charge must be in the pool area at all times.

 Key Distribution o Daytime instructors, coaches, and intramural advisors must see the building administrator for their keys. o Community Education staff will receive their keys from the Community Education Coordinator. o Custodians should never open the pool to participants without an authorized certified aquatics staff person present. No unauthorized person should be allowed access to a pool unattended. Any person opening the door to the pool area is responsible for what happens in the pool area.  Individual and group usage of the pool must be by permit and must follow rental policies specific to their type of group.  School District pool rentals must be staffed by at least two district certified lifeguards.  Maximum pool capacity is determined by state law and is to be posted at each site.

Duties of Instructors and Coaches

All Instructors and Coaches are responsible for the following:  Understand and be able to carry out the Emergency Action Plan of the pool facility.  Enforce all health and safety rules.  Be the first person in the pool area at the beginning of all swimming sessions. This includes instructional, team practice, and recreational use.  Have all instructional and safety equipment out and in place before beginning session. Put all equipment away at the end of your session.  Dress in appropriate swim attire.  Never leave the pool deck unsupervised.  Report all accidents, rescues, incidents, and maintenance problems to the school principal, head engineer, and/or the Community Education Coordinator for that site.  Immediately report to the custodian any incidence of broken glass, body fluids or feces, or other debris in the pool, on the pool deck, or in the locker rooms.  Be the last person to leave the pool area at the end of all swimming sessions and ensure that everyone is out of the locker rooms before leaving.  Always walk once around the entire pool to check the bottom of the pool. Ensure that all doors leading into the pool area are locked.  When another group is waiting to swim, never leave the pool area until the next session’s supervisor indicates he/she is ready to begin.

Duties of Lifeguards

All Lifeguards are responsible for the following:

6  Must hold current certifications in American Red Cross Lifeguarding and First Aid and American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Lifeguard.  Report to your work area at least 15 minutes before your assigned shift.  Wear supervisor approved swim attire and uniform.  While on duty, reading or use of cell phones, mp3 players, computers or other devices are prohibited.  Following the opening and closing checklist.  Preventing accidents is your primary duty. Guard the safety for all swimmers, both on the deck and in the water, with constant vigilance. Use proper scanning techniques as identified by the American Red Cross.  Understand and be able to carry out the Emergency Action Plan of the pool facility.  Never leave the pool unguarded. Remain in your assigned area until relieved by another guard.  The lifeguard’s conduct must reflect the rules and regulations of the pool and the standards of the American Red Cross.  Report all accidents, rescues, incidents, faulty equipment, or other pool hazards to your supervisor immediately.  At breaks and closing times, ensure that all swimmers are out of the water before leaving your post. Then, walk once around the entire pool to check the bottom of the pool before initiating closing procedures.  Attend all staff meetings and training sessions.  Any other duties assigned by the pool supervisor.

Additional Duties of All District Pool Employees

The very nature of a swimming pool demands your undivided attention while on duty. Care and attention to all phases of a pool’s operation is invaluable.

 When dealing with the public, remember that you are working for them.  Professionalism when talking to and dealing with the public is extremely important.  Be polite, but firm.  Inform, don’t embarrass.  Whenever possible, explain the “why” of a rule or policy.  If you don’t know the answer to a question, refer the person to a supervisor or other appropriate person. It is better to say you don’t know than to give out inaccurate information.  Suggest alternatives to those not following the rules but don’t hesitate to expel them from the facility if they are endangering themselves or others with their behavior.  Never allow a non-lifeguard to take over a rescue. You must stay with the victim until more qualified help arrives and takes over.  The use of alcohol, drugs, or other chemicals before or while on duty will result in immediate dismissal.

7 Duties of Custodians and Engineers

The engineer is responsible, under the direction of the facility’s Operation Coordinator, for the maintenance of the pool facility and for assigning the proper personnel to the following duties:  Maintaining the chemical and mechanical treatment or the pool water to comply with local and Minnesota Public Health Standards for public pools. (MN. Statute 4717.0150 to 4717.3975)  Test and record accurate records of the water’s pH, temperature, and chlorine residuals on a daily basis. The custodian engineer will ascertain from the staff what the water temperature should be maintained at. The air temperature shall be three to five degrees higher than the water temperature.  Daily cleaning and disinfecting of the pool deck, shower areas, and locker rooms. Records of cleaning should be kept on file.

Pool Maintenance and Cleaning

Each pool will be cleaned, repaired, and have general maintenance performed annually. The timing of the shutdown will be determined by Facilities Operation and Maintenance, Community Education, K- 12 staff, K-12 administration and athletics. Pool cleaning should neither prevent nor interrupt any normally scheduled activity without advanced notice.

Pool Closures

Groups with the authority to close a pool site are Custodian/Certified Pool Operator, building principal, Community Education and Athletics. Each group must develop an effective telechain and/or e-mail chain to notify all parties impacted by the closing. The custodial staff at each site is responsible for knowing which parties are impacted.

Swimming Pool Rules and Regulations

Each pool facility should create pool rules and regulations that meet the needs of the facility and programs. Those pool rules and regulations should be posted in the locker rooms and in the pool area. A separate set of rules for the diving board should be posted on the wall behind the diving board.

Recommended pool rules and regulations:  Safety Rules o No one is allowed in the pool area unless the lifeguard or instructor assigned to duty is present. o No one is allowed in the water unless a lifeguard is on duty. o Running, pushing, dunking, or throwing objects in the pool or pool area is not allowed. o Activities that jeopardize personal safety or the safety of others is not allowed.

8 o Patrons shall swim in the area best suited to their ability, as indicated by the pool staff.

 Diving Board Rules o Diving area must be clear before diving. o One person allowed on the board at a time. o Dive straight off the end of the board. o Arms must be over the head for all dives. o After diving, swim immediately to the side of the pool.

 Health Rules o The toilet facilities shall be used before showering and using the pool. o A thorough shower shall be taken before entering the pool. o Glass of any kind, food, beverages, and gum are not allowed in the pool or pool area. o All jewelry, watches, and band-aids should be removed before swimming. o Do not spit or blow nose in the pool or pool area. o Proper swim attire is required. Children who are not potty trained must wear a disposable swim diaper or tight fitting plastic pants. o Swim caps or tie-backs are recommended for long hair.

 District Rules o Failure to follow staff instructions will result in losing the privilege to swim. o The Saint Paul Public Schools are not responsible for lost or stolen articles. o Patrons are not allowed to use face masks, snorkels, fins, or any floatation device without the permission of the lifeguard or instructor in charge.

Emergency Procedures

Each pool facility must have an Emergency Action Plan posted in the pool area. Each pool facility must also post specific directions and site information next to the emergency phone.

Whistle Codes  1 short blast = get the attention of a swimmer  2 short blasts= get the attention of another staff member  3 short blasts= activates the EAP (signals that there is an emergency)  1 long blast= clear the pool.

The following procedures for the Emergency Action Plan should be followed by all district pool employees, whether daytime instructors, coaches, lifeguards, or Community Education personnel.

9 Emergency Action Plan

Lifeguard/Coach/Instructor recognizes the emergency

Lifeguard/Coach/Instructor activates the EAP and makes the rescue (3 short whistle blasts, clear the pool if necessary)

Assessment- Is the emergency life threatening?

Yes No

Call 911 and send someone Care for the victim and the to meet EMS conditions found

Care for the victim and the conditions found (Stay with the victim until EMS arrive and take over)

Clear the facility and direct patrons to safety

Check equipment and resume activity if appropriate

Notify appropriate chain of command

Witnesses interviewed

Complete appropriate reports

Corrective action taken

Staff debriefing

10 Sample Forms  Accident Report Form  First report of Injury  Open/Close Report Form  Community Education Accident Report Form  Community Education Rescue Report Form  Community Education Incident Report Form  Community Education Open/Close Report Form  Daily Record Form –pool temp, air temp, pH, etc