Compilation of Rules and Regulations of the State of Georgia › Department 591 - RULES OF BRIGHT FROM THE START GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF EARLY CARE AND LEARNING › Chapter 591-1 › Subject 591-1-1 - CHILD CARE LEARNING CENTERS › Rule 591-1-1-.35 - Swimming Pools and Water-related Activities

Current through Rules and Regulations filed through June 27, 2024
(1) Local Approval. When permanent swimming
				or wading pools are located on the center premises, applicable local
				regulations regarding the design, construction, operation and maintenance shall
				be followed.
(2) Accessibility of
				Pools. All swimming and wading pools shall be inaccessible to children except
				during supervised activities.
(3)
				Supervision of Children in Water Over Two (2) Feet Deep. For water-related
				activity (such as swimming, fishing, boating or wading) in water over two (2)
				feet deep, continuous supervision of children must be provided as follows:
Ages of Children
Staff:Child Ratio*
Under two and one-half (2 1/2) yrs.
1:2
Two and one-half (2 1/2) to four (4)
								yrs.
1:5
Four (4) yrs. and older who cannot swim a distance
								of fifteen (15) yards unassisted **
1:6
Four (4) yrs. and older who can swim a distance of
								fifteen (15) yards unassisted **
1:15
* At least one person must have current evidence of having
				 completed successfully a training program in lifeguarding offered by a
				 water-safety instructor certified by the American Red Cross or YMCA or YWCA or
				 other recognized standard-setting agency for water safety instruction. Such
				 person may be a Center Staff member or an employee of a water facility (e.g.,
				 local swimming pool).
** In lieu of requiring each child to take a swimming test to
				 determine whether the child can swim a distance of fifteen (15) yards
				 unassisted, Center Staff may accept copies of certificates or cards from a
				 recognized water-safety instruction organization showing that the child has
				 successfully completed a swimming class which required the child to swim a
				 distance of fifteen (15) yards unassisted.
(4) Supervision of Children in Water Less
				than Two (2) Feet Deep. For water-related activity (such as swimming, fishing,
				boating or wading) in water less than two (2) feet deep (such as a wading
				pool), continuous supervision must be provided in accordance with normal
				Staff:child ratios which are as follows:
Ages of Children
Staff:Child Ratio*
Infants less than one (1) year old or children
								under eighteen (18) months who are not walking
1:6
One (1) year olds who are walking
1:8
Two (2) year olds
1:10
Three (3) year olds
1:15
Four (4) year olds
1:18
Five (5) year olds
1:20
Six (6) years and older
1:25
(5)
				Additional Supervision. At least one (l) additional Staff member above the
				required Staff:child ratios for any water-related activity (such as swimming,
				fishing, boating, or wading) shall be available to rotate among the age groups
				as needed when any of the following circumstances are present: the majority of
				the children in a group are not accustomed to or are afraid of the water; the
				majority of the children in a group comprised of children who cannot swim a
				distance of 15 yards unassisted cannot touch the bottom of the water facility
				without submerging their heads; the water facility is particularly crowded; or
				the children have special needs which impact on their ability to participate
				safely in the water-related activity.
(6) Parental Permission. No child shall
				participate in a swimming activity without the Parents' written
				permission.
(7) Use of Wading
				Pools. Wading pools shall be cleaned and filled with clean water for each day's
				usage and emptied when not in use.
O.C.G.A. §
											20-1A-1 et
				 seq.