Public Pools

The Lifesaving Society is the standard setting certifying body for aquatic safety and Canada's lifeguards. 

The Lifesaving Society researches industry customs and practices along with conducting literature reviews to establish evidence-based standards.

The Lifesaving Society recommends that Public Pool Owners and their agent's incorporate the safety standards referenced into their operations and practices. The standards below may be used to evaluate public pool's and may assist in determining what steps can be taken to create a safer environment for customers and staff. 

What is considered a Public Pool?

A Public Pool means:

• Any swimming pool generally available to the public or any segment of the public for their use and includes whirlpools, wave pools and waterparks, or
• A swimming pool operated in conjunction with or as part of a program of an educational, instructional, physical fitness or athletic institution supported in whole or in part by public funds or public subscription.

Alberta Pool Safety Standards

The Lifesaving Society is recognized as a leader in developing standards for activities in, on and around water. Through its Safety Standards Commission, the Society sets national aquatic environment standards and clarifies existing provincial/territorial regulations.

Lifesaving Society Safety Standards are developed using Fatality Inquires and Coroners’ Inquest recommendations, the latest evidence-based research, and reflect the aquatic industry’s best practices at the time the publication was approved or revised.  The purpose of these standards is to encourage swimming pool, waterpark and waterfront owners, operators and regulators to adopt these standards in order to prevent drownings in aquatic environments.

Alberta Public Pool Safety Standards

National Safety Standards

Lifesaving Society Canada’s National Safety Standards do not replace or supersede local, provincial/territorial or federal legislation or regulations, but they are considered the standard to which aquatic facility operators should work towards in order to enhance safety within their operations and to prevent drowning and aquatic-related injury.

Lifesaving Society Canada's National Safety Standards