Activities Involving Water
What we inspect
Hot tubs, spas, saunas and steam rooms prohibited for children in care
We check that hot tubs, spas, saunas, and steam rooms aren't being used with children in licensed child care.
Must be: Hot tubs, spas, saunas, and steam rooms may not be used by children enrolled in a licensed child care center.
If it fails: Keep these features off-limits to enrolled children, or restrict access with locks or barriers.
.1403(b)
What we inspect
Portable wading pools and untreated water prohibited
We check that children aren't using portable wading pools or untreated natural water for swimming at the center.
Must be: Portable wading pools, natural bodies of water, and other untreated, unfiltered water are not allowed for children's aquatic activities.
If it fails: Use only a properly filtered and disinfected pool for children's water activities.
.1403(b)
What we inspect
One certified lifeguard per 25 children, not counted in ratios
We check the number of certified lifeguards on duty relative to the number of children in the water.
Must be: There must be at least one certified lifeguard for every 25 children, separate from the required staff-to-child ratio.
If it fails: Schedule enough certified lifeguards so you have one per 25 children, in addition to your regular staff.
.1403(c)
What we inspect
Children under three excluded from aquatic activities
We check whether any children under age three are participating in aquatic activities.
Must be: Children under three may not take part in aquatic activities, except as needed for their individual service or education plan.
.1403(d)
What we inspect
Aquatic staff/child ratios: 1/8, 1/10, 1/13 by age
We check the staff-to-child ratio during aquatic activities against the children's ages.
Must be: Ratios must be at least one staff member per 8 children ages 3-4, per 10 children ages 4-5, and per 13 children age 5 and up.
If it fails: Add staff or reduce group size in the water until the ratio matches the children's ages.
.1403(e)
What we inspect
Never fewer than two staff supervising, whatever the ratio
We check that at least two staff members are supervising, even when the ratio would allow fewer.
Must be: At least two staff members must supervise the aquatic activity at all times, no matter the ratio.
.1403(e)
What we inspect
Half of required staff in the water, half out, in pre-assigned areas
We check how staff are positioned in and around the pool during swim time.
Must be: Half the required staff must be in the water and half out, each stationed where they can see, hear, and reach the children, before any child enters the water.
If it fails: Assign specific in-water and poolside positions to staff before children are allowed in.
.1403(f)
What we inspect
Written aquatic policies covering five specified subjects
We check that the center has written aquatic policies covering all required topics.
Must be: Written policies must cover safety hazards, supervision (including restroom or changing room use), discipline, transportation, and emergency water-exit procedures.
If it fails: Draft a written aquatic policy covering all five topics and keep it on file for staff to reference.
.1403(g)
What we inspect
Staff sign annual statement of policy review, kept one year
We check personnel files for signed, dated aquatic-policy review statements.
Must be: Each staff member must sign a statement reviewing the aquatic policies before first supervising and again every year, kept on file for at least a year.
If it fails: Have staff sign and date a policy-review form annually and file it with their records.
.1403(h)
What we inspect
Written parental permission on file for each child
We check each child's file for written parental permission for aquatic activities.
Must be: A signed parental permission form, acknowledging awareness of the aquatic policies, must be on file for every child who swims.
If it fails: Collect a signed permission form from each parent before their child participates in swimming.
.1403(i)
What we inspect
Pool fenced at least four feet AND separated from the play area
We check the height and placement of the fence around the pool at the child care center.
Must be: The pool must be enclosed by a fence at least 4 feet high that separates it from the rest of the outdoor play area, and it must be locked when the pool isn't in use.
If it fails: Install or raise the fence to at least 4 feet and make sure it fully separates the pool from the play area, with a working lock.
.1403(j)
What we inspect
Pool safety rules posted and visible
We check that pool safety rules are posted somewhere children and staff can see them.
Must be: A posted sign must be visible showing at least the first aid kit location and pool conduct rules.
If it fails: Post a sign near the pool listing the first aid kit location and basic conduct rules.
.1403(k)