Types of Audits
In conducting the Aquatic Safety Audit, aquatic facility owners/ operators benefit in their proactive approach in assessing safety practices. Each step taken to improve procedures and operation practices will reduce the potential for injuries. The process of the safety audit will reinforce safety awareness in facility staff and educate staff in proper, industry standard, safety practices.
Supervision, Evaluation and Enhancement Audits (SEE Audits)
SEE Audits are conducted on lifeguarding and instructing operations at supervised swimming pool and waterfronts. SEE Audits are performed on the lifeguarding or instructing team as a whole and on the individual lifeguards and instructors that make up the team.
Topical Audits
The Society is often consulted to help aquatic facility staff solve specific safety operation and management problems. Topical Aquatic Safety Audits are very focused and are often comprised of one or more elements of the comprehensive safety audit. The Society is often consulted to review a single piece of equipment or area of facility operation to solve specific safety operation and management problems. Common examples include:
- evaluation of diving board equipment and installations
- review of facility safety rules and signage
- review of lifeguard positioning, sightlines and blind spots
Glare and Lifeguard Positioning
Comprehensive Audits
The scope of a Comprehensive Aquatic Safety Audit includes all aspects of facility operation which could impact on the safety of patrons and facility staff. The review includes:
- staff training
- supervision of lifeguards
- emergency procedures
- pool entry requirements for the public and other groups
- operational policies
- documentation of operating policies and procedures
- aquatic program safety
- compliance with relevant aquatic safety regulations and industry operating standards
- public education and safety systems including pool safety rules and signage
- lifeguarding systems including lifeguard stations and communication
- safety implications of the facility design