Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta

Continued from previous page
o No diving off deck into shallow end
o No outside shoes on deck
o Entry into water less than 2.5 m deep must be foot-first.
• These rules will change from facility to facility.
Equipment and Facilities for Water-based Interschool Athletic Activities
• School or community pools should be used. Backyard pools must not be used.
• Pool deck should be kept clear of obstacles and cleared of excess water.
• When using an outdoor pool or lake, weather conditions must be stable and free
of threat of thunderstorms.
• Electrical equipment should be properly grounded (GFI).
• Standard safety equipment should be used, as stated in pool regulations, e.g.,
ring buoys, reaching poles, and spinal boards.
• Bathing suits or appropriate attire must be worn for swimming.
• If using a lake site,
o Use of a municipally or otherwise designated swimming waterfront
is recommended. If using another location refer to the Waterfront
Safety Standards available on-line at www.lifesaving.org.
o Teacher/coach should ensure the following items are accessible:
- Whistle or other signaling device
- Buoyant throw line
- Reaching assists
- Spinal board
- Blanket
o Teacher/coach should ensure the following items are accessible:
- Salt (for leech removal)
- Rescue boat/craft.
o Teacher/coach must ensure that the swimming area is:
- Clearly marked
- Free from hazards
- Roped off with floating devices
- Of suitable water temperature
- Reasonably clean and clear.
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Safety Guidelines for Secondary Interschool Athletics in Alberta - February 2012