Following on from a highly successful practical training program for pool operators, Devon, and Cornwall Councils in conjunction with the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), are delighted to launch phase two of this initiative.
A new online resource will be made available from Thursday the 13th May 2021.
This will include a series of free bite size webinars aimed at business owners and their staff in the tourism and leisure industry and includes a practical pool safety guide with helpful checklists to assist with the running of a safe pool. This is hosted by the Better Business for All (BBFA) Heart of the south west growth hub website. Better Business for All – Growth Hub (heartofswgrowthhub.co.uk)
The importance of swimming as a recreational activity is recognised by many across the South West and is a vital component of the tourist offering and marketing for local businesses in that sector.
The first stage of the project saw business operators in Devon attend one day training events to raise awareness of pool safety requirements. These events were well attended and received great feedback.
We are now pleased to launch the online training resource and pool safety guide covering the essential points to make sure pools are operated safely.
There are many health and safety issues that are specific and unique to the safe operation of swimming pools. These include:-
- operator training
- risk assessments
- operational procedures – Normal Operating Plan (NOP) and Emergency Action Plan (EAP)
- pool hire arrangements.
- controlling access
- safe pool – physical surroundings, profile, outlets, inlets and features
- safe use – pool rules, supervision, and lifeguarding
- safe plant – maintenance and record keeping
- safe pool water – management, treatment and monitoring of pool water
- safe storage and handling of chemicals
The project aims to help pool owners and operators to give their guests a safe and healthy swimming experience.
Lisa Peters, Operations Manager at Trading Standards South West which helped deliver the online resource, said: “This will be of interest to anyone who operates a pool as part of their business such as holiday lets, B&Bs and small hotels. We’re keen to get as many people as possible to complete the web-based training especially as we approach the reopening of many of these facilities.”
“Pools are an integral part of many people’s holiday experiences in Devon and Cornwall and it’s important that they are operated safely and competently. Aimed both at experienced or new operators it’s also an opportunity for business owners to make sure any staff with the responsibility for a pool are up to speed with operational and legal obligations and will ensure pools are operated to the best standards.”