As a pool owner, manager, or certified operator it is your responsibility to do everything that you can to prevent an accident at your pool. Death and injury can and does occur locally. Lincoln Municipal Code 8.67 is designed to present minimum health and safety standards for pools. You must ensure that your pool meets or exceeds these standards at all times when the pool is in operation. Each year a copy of LMC 8.67 is sent with each application for a pool permit. Additional copies are available from Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (LLCHD).

Accident Reporting

Both state and local law states that it is the responsibility of the certified operator to immediately notify LLCHD of any drownings or near drownings. Notify LLCHD within 24 hours of any accident that requires hospitalization or medical treatment.

Safety Lines

Safety lines must be in place at all times the pool is open. If a safety line is missing or broken it must be replaced immediately.

Drain Covers

Several accidents have occurred in the U.S. due to suction drains that were missing their protective covers. Children were literally held to the bottom of the pool when their body covered an improperly protected drain, creating a suction that the child could not escape from. All bottom suction drains must have a protective cover.

Diving Boards

While many pools have already removed their diving boards due to insurance concerns, diving accidents continue to happen. The majority of accidents occur at pools that have high (3 Meter) boards or low boards at pools that were constructed prior to 1979. In 1979, new construction standards went into effect to reduce the risk of injury of divers striking their heads on the pool bottom or up slope. LLCHD has ordered the removal of boards at some pools based on accident history and design considerations. If your pool was constructed prior to 1979 and has a diving board you are advised to contact LLCHD for an engineering assessment of your pool.

Pool Records

Pool operating records must be made daily. The details of what must be recorded are shown in the pool ordinance book provided to you. The records must be accurate and represent actual readings. The falsification of records may result in the revocation of your certified operators permit or the pool permit or both.

Pool Closures

The owner, manager, or certified pool operator must close the pool anytime that minimum safety or water quality standards are not met. These standards are included in the pool ordinance book supplied to you. If a pool does not meet minimum standards and you allow the pool to remain open you are in violation of Lincoln Municipal Code. If violations occur, LLCHD will take action to revoke your pool permit. If a permit is revoked the pool must remain closed until an appeal can be filed or a new permit is applied for and approved.

Sun Exposure

The National Cancer Institute estimates that 600,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer occur in the U.S. each year. The National Institute of Health states that the easiest most effective way to decrease the risk of developing non-melanoma skin cancer is to reduce exposure to the sun. Based on this information LLCHD recommends that all outdoor pools post a sign stating: "It is recommended that individuals protect their skin from the sun's UV radiation especially between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m." Skin protection can be in the form of sun screen with a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher or a barrier of clothing. This recommendation is particularly important to pool employees who have daily exposure.

CPR/First Aid Supplies

All pools must have a designated representative certified in basic life support training (CPR). This is a requirement for operation of the pool. While the law only requires one designated representative, LLCHD recommends that several people be trained in CPR. This increases the chances that a CPR trained individual will be available when those services are needed, and will protect your pool permit if the designated representative resigns or moves.

In addition to the items required by law to be in your first aid kit, LLCHD recommends that you include disposable gloves and a face mask. These items are used routinely by emergency response personnel to provide protection from blood-borne disease agents.

Certified Operator

Every swimming pool is required by law to be under the immediate supervision of a certified operator. LLCHD recommends that you have a backup certified operator in the event that the certified operator designated for your pool is unable to fulfill those responsibilities. If a pool is operating without a certified operator, the pool will be closed by LLCHD until a new certified operator is designated.

For more information contact

Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department

Environmental Health Division at 441-8022