New safety measures recommended for public pools in Edmonton

by MODE, ignore | November 14, 2012 7:11 pm

The city of Edmonton has recommended a number of changes to its aquatic facility safety standards and procedures after two apparent drownings this past summer.

According to a report in the Edmonton Journal, the city will introduce new warning signs, practise regular emergency procedures as well as look to improve overall surveillance at all aquatic facilities.

“When our aquatic staff go to work every day, safety is top of mind … so when something like these deaths occur, we are all profoundly impacted and devastated,” Linda Cochrane, general manager of community services, said in the report. “Our swimming pools in the City of Edmonton are safe. The Lifesaving Society has confirmed that in their report.”

Despite following appropriate protocols in both drowning cases, the Lifesaving Society suggested the city’s aquatic facilities should determine specific emergency roles for all staff, enforce children under eight years old to remain within arm’s reach of an adult, reduce lifeguard shifts on outdoor pools and provide them with polarized sunglasses and wide-brimmed hats to prevent distraction from the sun’s glare, and to perform regular emergency drills.

The report also says the city will create new announcements and web content to educate the public about pool rules, while it will also look into safety devices for non-swimmers that will alert lifeguard staff should a bather remain still or underwater for too long.

Source URL: https://www.poolspamarketing.com/trade/new-safety-measures-recommended-for-edmonton-public-pools/

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