Peden, A., and Franklin, R. (2009) An examination of legislation relevant to public pools in Australia. Journal of Occupational Health and Safety: Australia and New Zealand, 25 (3). pp. 179-185.

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Abstract

Over 264 million people visit public swimming pools and aquatic facilities each year in Australia, and these people place their safety in the hands of operators and lifeguards. Research undertaken by the Royal Life Saving Society Australia examined the legislative duties of public pool operators in each state and territory.

Criteria were established for the duties that are relevant to the daily operations of public pools. These Criteria, validated through an industry survey, included personal protective equipment, risk management/risk assessment, emergency plans, and water quality. The duties within each criterion were applied to relevant water safety-related legislation.

The study found that there were inconsistencies in the legislation regarding terminology and definitions, and that minimum standards were prescribed rather than a best practice approach to ensuring health and safety. To improve operators' understanding of the legislative requirements and thus compliance, it is recommended that nationally consistent legislation should be drafted which uses clear and consistent terminology and which prescribes a best practice approach.

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