Guidance on those most at risk when using the swimming pool

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This article examines the hazards present in a typical commercial pool environment and seeks to identify who is most at risk. The article is designed to assist pool operators and other parties responsible for identifying who is at risk and how. This article is part of a series within the UK Pool Safety Guide, a free source of reputable guidance to help improve the safety of commercial swimming pools in the UK. The article uses the hazards identified in 'Guidance on identifying hazards in and around the pool environment' and asks with respect to each hazard: Who is most at harm and why? 

 

Responsible persons may find the following checklist helpful in ensuring they have taken the required action:  

• Identify the applicable hazards. 
• Identify who might be harmed and how. 
• Cross-check the findings of your assessment against the available guidance and best practice. 
• Seek views on your assessment from others. 
• Involve your team in a discussion around your assessment and its contents. 
• Periodically review your assessment to ensure it continues to be relevant, accurate, and sufficient. 

 

DROWNING HAZARDS

 

Swim failure

Data from the UK Water Incident Database suggests that males are 2.6 times more likely than females to succumb to swim failure in swimming pools. Non-swimmers were also 2.1 times more likely than swimmers to experience swim failure in a swimming pool. 51% of water incidents in swimming pools involved those under 8 years old. 

 

Cold water

No group is especially at risk of experiencing cold water shock. Those with poor cardiovascular health are at greater risk of experiencing hypothermia. 

 

Health events 

Those over 50 are at the greatest risk of experiencing health events whilst using the pool. However, there are many exceptions to this, including teenagers who are the most likely to experience a cardiac event whilst in the water caused by an undiagnosed heart condition. Children are also more likely to suffer an asthma or panic attack whilst using the pool. Pregnant pool users are more likely to faint than other user groups. Those with diabetes, head injuries, and anxiety are most likely to experience seizures while using the pool. 

 

Entrapment

Young children are most at risk from experiencing entrapment in and around the pool. 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL HAZARDS

 

Contact with hazardous substances

Children under 12 years old and those with a learning disability are most likely to come into contact with hazardous substances left unattended and are, therefore, most at risk. 

 

Contact with pathogens

Those with immunodeficiency disorders are most at risk from contact with pathogens in and around swimming pools. The properties of the pathogen determine who is most at risk, but those over 50 are at increased risk from most pathogens. Employees are most at risk from needlestick injuries and contact with blood-borne viruses when providing first aid, cleaning, or emptying the bins. Young children also have a less developed immune system and are more likely than most to experience ill health after contact with pathogens. 

 

Air quality

Those with respiratory disease/impairment are most at risk from poor air quality. Those with cardiovascular disease/impairment may also find environments with poor air quality difficult. Employees are also especially at risk from poor air quality in the swimming pool hall, as the duration of exposure is prolonged by working at the facility. Coaches and ancillary staff may also be at greater risk because their work requires long periods on the poolside. 

 

Noise

Employees working in and around noisy pools are most at risk from noise-induced hearing loss and associated conditions. Particularly, teaching and coaching staff, lifeguards, cleaners, and pool supervisors are at the greatest risk. 

 

Fire and smoke

Those with mobility, cardiovascular, or respiratory impairments are at the greatest risk from fire and smoke. Those with sensory sensitivity (such as those some of those with ASD, ADHD, and a learning disability) are also at greater risk primarily due to the change in the sensory environment during a fire and its evacuation. Those with responsibility for investigating or tackling fires are also at greater risk of injury. 

 

Contact with electricity

Employees are most at risk of contact with electricity. Particularly, maintenance staff and supervisors, are at the greatest risk due to the extent of their exposure whilst managing the hazard. Contractors with the responsibility of inspecting, repairing, or maintaining electrical systems are also at greater risk. 

 

Contact with radiation

Employees with the responsibility to work in direct sunlight for prolonged periods are most at risk from contact with natural light. Maintenance staff and supervisors with responsibility for managing the ultraviolet disinfection system are at greater risk. Beauticians and support staff who work with sunbeds are also at greater risk from exposure to radiation. 

 

ACTIVITY HAZARDS

 

Falls and collisions

Teenagers and young adults, particularly boys and men, are at the greatest risk from falls and collisions resulting from jumping and diving into the water. Those over 50 and with mobility restrictions are most at risk of slipping and falling. Competitive and Masters swimmers are most at risk of colliding with the pool wall during training sessions. Parents accompanying a child down a waterslide are at greater risk of colliding with the pool bottom on exiting a waterslide. Those proximate to an inflatable play structure are at risk of others falling from the structure and landing on them. 

 

Interpersonal conflict

Children and vulnerable adults are at the greatest risk of all forms of abuse. Those who have arrived in the UK seeking asylum or as refugees are at the greatest risk of forced labour, forced marriage, domestic abuse, and human trafficking. Vulnerable women are at greater risk of experiencing domestic violence. Teenagers are at the greatest risk of being forced to enter cold or deep water. There is some evidence those with personality, behavioural, or developmental conditions which predispose the individual to impulsivity are at greater risk of such injuries. 

 

Moving and handling

Employees are at the greatest risk from moving and handling injuries, particularly young workers, young adults, and those over 60 years old. Customers under 3 years of age are most at risk of experiencing oral or nasal obstructions. Children, in general, are at greater risk of experiencing allergic reactions. Pregnant employees are also at greater risk of moving and handling injuries. There is some evidence those with personality, behavioural, or developmental conditions which predispose the individual to impulsivity are at greater risk of such injuries. 

 

 

 

Citation: Jacklin, D. 2024. Guidance on those most at risk when using the swimming pool. Water Incident Research Hub, 18 June; updated 15 Aug.