December 2008 - Posts
An article that appeared in the November/December 2008 issue of Aquatics International stated that there was no longer a need to clear indoor swimming pools during a thunderstorm. The article noted that there have been no documented deaths from lightning in indoor pools and that since the National Electric Code requires bonding and grounding, swimmers would be protected in the water. What most people will fail to take away from this article is that the author gave two necessary prerequisites for such a change in protocol. The pool area has to be completely bonded and grounded electrically Acomplete lightning protection system is required. While it is true that current codes require bonding and...
By now hopefully you have heard of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act and may have had some frustrations, especially since the date of implementation is right around the corner, December 19 th 2008. As with everyone that I have spoken with, most frustrations rose from a lack of being able to determine just what is needed for compliance. First let me say everyone needs to change their main drain covers so they are stamped with ASME A112.19.8-2007 or “VGB”. The most current list of approved vendors is located at http://www.cpsc.gov/BUSINFO/draincman.html . Next if you have a gravity fed or a surge tank system you are finished after you change drain covers. If you have multiple pool...
To have safe pools and successful lifeguards, aquatic directors must commit to giving their staff the tools they need to succeed. We at The Redwoods Group have conducted investigations into over 100 aquatic incidents and found six common contributing factors. The most common of these contributing factors is improper guard placement. I frequently ask aquatic directors how they selected the positions for their lifeguards and the answers often surprise me. They range from “that is where the contractor put them” to “that is the only spot where they can see the entire pool.” Improper guard placement can lead to a number of failures: lack of line of sight due to obstructions, poor visibility due to...