Do I need to conduct a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test?

GUIDANCE

What is a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT)?

An LZVT is defined in HSG179:2018 as "a practical exercise designed to highlight any areas of the pool surface or pool basin floor where a casualty cannot be seen from any particular lifeguard position, especially those furthest away and closest to that lifeguard position." 

What does an LZVT show?  

An LZVT will allow you to show: 

• That your lifeguard numbers are correct. 
• That your lifeguards can see their allocated zone of responsibility from their allocation position or patrol route. 
• That the minimum lifeguard cover for each session provides coverage for pool users wherever they may be located in the pool. 

When is an LZVT required? 

Once you have determined that constant poolside supervision is required, an LZVT is one available method for determining how many lifeguards are needed to provide visibility of pool users wherever they may be located within the pool.

This will also inform, although not determine, the number of lifeguards needed to deliver the standard of supervision required to ensure pool users are not exposed to risks to their health and safety or where they are, that those risks have been mitigated so far as is reasonably practicable. 

What is involved in conducting an LZVT? 

We have set out in a separate article our thoughts on how to conduct an effective LZVT of a swimming pool. RLSS UK (2018) have also set out some of the steps on how to complete an LZVT. 

What are the options for those operators who do not use an LZVT? 

Operators who do not complete an LZVT must demonstrate that they have mitigated the same risks and achieved the same benefits by equivalent means. 

One or more of the following options may deliver this result:

• Periodic checks with lifeguards so that they can see all parts of their zone. 
• Inspections to check visibility from each of the allocated positions. 
• Training for lifeguards and supervisors on the importance of reporting visibility concerns. 
• Procedures setting out how to respond to deficient visibility. 
• Incident records that show an absence of visibility-related incidents. 
• Sufficient psychological safety ensures lifeguards are encouraged to report deficient visibility conditions and a track record of taking appropriate action to ensure the standard of supervision is met (ISO 45003 may provide a suitable benchmark). 

Should I record my LZVT? 

You should record the significant findings of your LZVT as it may constitute a risk assessment under MHSWR 1999, regulation 3.

We have set out a list of things it is advisable to record in our article on how to conduct an LZVT.

References 

RLSS UK. 2018. Managing health and safety in swimming pools. Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test. Available at: https://www.rlss.org.uk/hsg179/how-to-complete-an-lzvt#Lifeguard-Zone-Visibility-Test accessed 28 December 2021.

Citation: Jacklin, D. 2021. Do I need to conduct a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test? Water Incident Research Hub, 28 December.