Aquatic Safety

Audit Report

Sandpoint Beach, Windsor

November 21, 2012

The Lifesaving Society is Canada’s lifeguarding expert. The Society

works to prevent drowning and water-related injury through its training

programs, Water Smart public education, and aquatic safety management

services.

The Lifesaving Society establishes aquatic safety standards and consults

widely on aquatic safety issues for aquatic facility owners and operators,

governments, agencies and the judicial system.

The Society is an independent, charitable organization serving Canadians

since the first aquatic lifesaving classes were taught in 1896.

___________________________________________ Aquatic Safety Audit Report for City of Windsor – Sandpoint Beach, submitted November

21, 2012 by the Lifesaving Society, 400 Consumers Road, Toronto, Ontario M2J 1P8.

Telephone (416) 490-8844. Fax (416) 490-8766. E-mail experts@lifeguarding.com

Registered Charity No.10809 7270 RR0001

Copyright, 2012 by The Royal Life Saving Society Canada. Reproduction by any means,

of materials contained in this book is prohibited unless authorized by the publisher.

Direct inquiries to the Lifesaving Society Ontario office.

Aquatic Safety Audit

The City of Windsor retained the Lifesaving Society to undertake a

comprehensive safety audit of Sandpoint Beach. This is a supervised

beach which is lifeguarded from June to September and is located on at

the southwest mouth of Lake St. Clair.

An initial meeting was held with Ms. Carribelle Stolarchuk of the City of

Windsor and Mr. Michael Shane, Safety Management Director of the

Lifesaving Society.

It was agreed that the purpose of the aquatic audit was to assess the

City’s management of Sandpoint Beach in light of the Lifesaving Society’s

Waterfront Safety Guidelines. The safety audit would identify what steps

might be taken to minimize the risk of drowning or serious water-related

injuries.

It was agreed that the scope of the safety audit would include discussions

with management in addition to an evaluation of the City of Windsor’s

Sandpoint Beach. This evaluation would report only on those items that

require attention. It would not address aspects that were satisfactory or

exceptional.

Aquatic Safety Audit Process

Personnel

The Lifesaving Society appointed Mr. Ted Durbacz as the Aquatic Safety

Management Services Chief Auditor. He has extensive experience in facility

evaluation and waterfront operations.

The Lifesaving Society appointed auditors Mr. Bob Clark, Mr. Michael Shane

and Ms. Cynthia Cakebread. All auditors have extensive experience in

aquatics, facility evaluation and waterfront operations.

The Lifesaving Society appointed Michael Shane, Safety Management

Director as the primary contact for the safety audit. The City of Windsor

appointed Ms. Carribelle Stolarchuk as the primary contact for the safety audit

team.

Audit Components

The audit team followed a process that included:

On-site SEE evaluation of the lifeguarding staff on August 18, 2012

On-site waterfront tour of the beach was conducted August 20,

2012

On-site interviews with management staff, at various levels within

the Community Services Department, were conducted on August

20, 2012

A review of the Beach Policy and Procedure Manual

Completion of a final report

Site Inspection

The safety audit team completed its inspection of the beach on August 20,

2012. During their inspection the auditors examined the facility applying

criteria developed by the Lifesaving Society from sources that include:

Lifesaving Society standards concerning the operation of public

waterfront swimming areas

Government of Ontario statutes governing public swimming pools

and waterfront operations

Recommendations from coroners’ inquests

Lifesaving Society research into drowning

Lifesaving Society Alert Manual

Staff Interviews

Prior to the site tour, the safety audit team interviewed recreation personnel

identified by the City of Windsor.

The members of the audit team asked questions of each interviewee, after

which they were invited to share additional thoughts with assurances that

specific comments would be unattributed.

Recommendations

Based on the inspection of the beach on August 20, 2012, the review of

supplied literature and the interviews of selected personnel, it is the opinion of

the Lifesaving Society that at the time of the audit, the City of Windsor

Sandpoint Beach was operating within the range of Safe Practice.

We direct your attention to the following concerns and recommendations:

The Lifesaving Society’s aquatic safety audit reports Priority Concerns,

Primary and Secondary Recommendations in four categories – Emergency

and Operating Procedures, Personnel, Communication, and Facility and

Equipment.

Priority Concerns – The Society’s aquatic safety audit revealed no problems

to warrant Priority Concern status. Priority Concerns represent major safety

risks to the public and merit immediate action. The Society alerts aquatic

facility operators to Priority Concerns at the time of the site tours.

Primary Recommendations – The Society’s aquatic safety audit presents

seventeen (17) Primary Recommendations. Primary Recommendations

address situations in contravention of a relevant Province of Ontario statute or

the Lifesaving Society’s position on what constitutes reasonable safe

practices. Primary Recommendations should receive focused attention by

facility management.

Secondary Recommendations – The Society’s aquatic safety audit presents

nineteen (19) Secondary Recommendations that are designed to enhance the

safe use of the aquatic facility. Action on Secondary Recommendations can

proceed within the facilities ongoing operations.

Range of Safe Practice – The Lifesaving Society recognizes a range of Safe

Practice. When operating within this range, the client is providing a

reasonable standard of care in all four categories we audit: personnel,

procedures, communication, and facility and equipment.

The Lifesaving Society considers the client to be operating within the range of

Safe Practice if the aquatic safety audit identifies no Priority Concerns, and

only Primary Recommendations and / or Secondary Recommendations which

in the opinion of the Society represents a low risk to public safety.

The Lifesaving Society considers the client to be operating below the range of

Safe Practice if any Priority Concerns are identified, or if any Primary

Recommendations address unreasonable risk to public safety.

Emergency and Operating Procedures

At the time of the aquatic safety audit, the City of Windsor Sandpoint Beach, the

emergency and operating procedures were within the range of Safe Practice.

Primary Recommendations

1. Re-organize the staff manual using the suggested format in the Table of

Contents for Lifesaving Society’s Aquatic manual (see Appendix).

The staff manual information needs to be, simplified, re-organized and

updated to focus on supervised beach operations. The attached Lifesaving

Society Table of Contents document, (appendix) suggests minimum content

that should be included in the staff manual. Specific recommendations

regarding the manual include:

a. include diagrams of the supervised beach with lifeguard scanning

zones, rotation and bather/lifeguard ratios. This will assist with

consistency in the application for all staff and standardized

supervision procedures.

b. include hand and whistle signals for staff in the event of radio

failure.

c. establish a procedure that confirms that staff have received

training as well as a copy of the staff manual and that they

understand the content. During the interview process, it was

mentioned that only observation was used to follow up, when

asked how supervisory staff followed up on staffs absorption of the

manuals policy and procedures.

d. include in the manual patron rules.

e. relocate to the front of the manual and emphasize messages

concerning:

a. the need for staff to be attentive

b. the general safety responsibilities

2. Ensure that a certified National Lifeguard Service Instructor (NLSI)

should lead and evaluate weekly in-service training.

It is recommended that a current NLS Instructor (minimum certification) lead

and evaluate weekly in-service training to ensure that NLS safety policies and

procedures are being practiced.

3. Re-assign roving lifeguard to Chair #1 or station on a paddleboard to

ensure constant scanning of beach zone when required.

It was noted during the audit that the walking roving lifeguard lost sight of

beach zone when walking up the beach.

4. Develop a training and response policy and procedure for rescues

outside of the buoy line.

It is recommended that responsibility and roles be clarified for lifeguards

concerning potential rescues outside the buoy lines. The safety of the public

and lifeguards should be considered carefully in development of such a

response policy/ plan. The issue should be reviewed by the Cities Risk

Manager and/or Legal Department.

This response policy/plan should be based on Lifesaving Society principles

and practiced at in-service training. It should also be included in the beach

operating manual.

5. Establish and evaluate incident reports.

An ongoing review of incidents should be undertaken by staff to determine

areas of high incident frequency. Once identified these can be investigated to

determine what actions can be taken to limit the incidents.

6. Restrict access to the western edge of the supervised beach.

Beach and water access to the western end of the beach should be restricted.

Due to history of incidents in this area, the extreme drop off, and the strong

currents, an evaluation of safety options must be discussed, evaluated, and

eventually implemented that will restrict access to this area. The City may

also want to consider closing this beach in favor of moving it further

eastwards.

At a minimum, beach patrons should be restricted from accessing this area of

the beach by installing additional fencing which will reduce the designated

beach area. The designated swim area (buoyed area) should be reduced in

size as the western anchor point will move eastwards at least 50 m. Signage

should supplement these warnings.

Because boaters are often seen in this area dropping off bathers, signage

and buoys should warn of deep water and strong currents. Additional no

swimming signs may be necessary.

A strong public education campaign should supplement these all of these

initiatives.

7. Post an emergency telephone sign.

At each lifeguard station there should also be a sign stating the location of the

emergency phone facing the beach, in order that the public is aware of the

emergency (pay) phone’s location and a sign posted clearly by the actual

phone.

8. Post a sign indicating emergency entrance for EMS services.

When an emergency occurs and the EMS system is activated, an ambulance

is usually dispatched to the site. When they arrive they should be able to

immediately access the site and so signage directing them to access gates is

important.

Secondary Recommendations

1. Develop a policy for both city and non-city operated day camp visits to

the beach.

A clear policy should be developed to ensure safety and admission to the

beach concerning day camps and other groups and reviewed by the Cities

Risk Manager/Legal Department.

It was identified that a policy exists, but was unclear as to who employs the

lifeguard, who checks to ensure they are lifeguard qualified and who has

liability coverage for his actions. It is recommended that these groups hire

and use a certified City of Windsor waterfront trained Lifeguard(s) during their

visits to the beach.

2. Review emergency response procedures from the lifeguard towers.

During the beach inspection, auditors noted that the lifeguards piled up sand

in front of their lifeguard chair. This was to create a landing area for lifeguards

to jump into to affect a quick dismount in case of an incident. This practice

puts the lifeguards at risk for injury and possibly members of the public who

may attempt this activity after hours.

It is recommended that the mound of sand be removed. In service training

should highlight safe mounting and dismounting procedures for normal

changeovers and during emergency situations.

Note picture in Appendix 6

3. Provide training to all beach staff on the Automatic External Defibrillator

(AED) machines.

It was noted that a new AED machine was located at the beach. Staff did

indicate that they have not received any training concerning the use and care.

To ensure they respond efficiently and effectively during an emergency

situation, staff should receive training.

4. Examine beach closure procedures.

Presently the city in collaboration with the local health unit, closes the beach

at 1000- E.coli/ 100ml and flies the red beach closed flag and posts signs to

inform bathers and boaters that the beach is closed. This limit is well above

provincial and Federal Health Canada recommended levels. Health Canada

recommends no swimming at 400- E.coli/ 100ml for a single reading while the

Ontario Ministry of the Environment recommends no swimming at 100 E. coli

per 100 milliliters of water. To ensure the safety of bathers and staff the city

should consider establishing a standard that conforms to either provincial or

National Health Canada recommendations. Signage buoys and an education

campaign should be used to then educate the public about this standard.

Health Canada Web Site:

(http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/pubs/water-eau/guide_water-2012-

guide_eau/index-eng.php#a411)

5. Post lifeguard scanning zone and rotation charts in charts in the

lifeguard office.

It is recommended that all lifeguards receive scanning training both during

pre-season and weekly in-service training.

It is recommended that lifeguards be made aware of their zone

responsibilities through training and reinforced with scanning zone charts

posted in the lifeguard office. Lifeguards should not lose sight of their zone

responsibilities during position rotations.

Depending on bather loads, sun glare conditions, and clustering of patrons,

the 3 lifeguard towers located on beach should be used in combination with

paddleboard patrols. It is recommended with one lifeguard in each tower, or

in combination with a paddleboard station, that they be responsible for 150

meters of a scanning zone that overlaps.

6. Review the contents of the Lifesaving Society Waterfront Safety

Guidelines.

The Waterfront Safety Guidelines were developed, and continue to be

updated, using best practices and recommendations from Coroner Inquests

and litigation involving drowning and catastrophic injuries sustained at

waterfronts and beaches. The guidelines recommend safe practices for

supervised and unsupervised public beaches. An updated copy should be

available at the Lifeguard office to supplement the detailed Facility

Operational Manual and at the Municipal Office for quick access to waterfront

safety best practices and safety information.

Personnel

At the time of the aquatic safety audit, the City of Windsor Sandpoint Beach, personnel

procedures were within the range of Safe Practice.

Primary Recommendations

1. Ensure that all staff certifications are verified.

A current and up to date file of all lifeguard staff certification records should

be filed in the beach office and available for review during periods of beach

supervised operations by the Department of Public Health Inspectors. Staff

should present original certification cards prior to working their first shift as a

lifeguard, and the certification should be valid for the full duration of the

season’s operation, or provide the beach supervisor with a recertification

date. Only original certification cards, or the Lifesaving Society’s “Find a

Member” service, should be accepted to verify awards. Copies of these

awards should be kept on file and should indicate:

date of verification

date of expiry

Signature of senior staff member who verified certification cards.

This file should contain relevant information for all lifeguard and support staff.

Out-of-date and inactive staff information should be purged and this file

should be readily available for all supervisors to review as required. Some

records examined on site failed to be verified by senior staff.

Secondary Recommendations

1. Certify non aquatic beach management personnel in “Lifesaving Society

Aquatic Management Training” program.

It is recommended that Managers responsible for aquatic facilities need to be

knowledgeable in the operating standards and regulations governing the

practices needed to maintain public safety in these facilities. These

managers should undergo the Lifesaving Society Aquatic Management

training.

2. Establish emergency personnel protocols.

It would be valuable to co-ordinate response protocols among emergency

personnel i.e.: Fire, Ambulance and Police with the Beach lifeguards for both

supervised and unsupervised operating periods and outside the buoy lines.

This will ensure that efficient response procedures when an emergency

occurs. It would be worthwhile to extend an invitation of participation to

attend preseason in-service training with the beach lifeguards. Staff did

indicate that an invitation was forwarded to the police, but to their knowledge

police did not reply. Staff did indicate that they did not feel they were

respected in their role, when dealing with these organizations. A chance to

train together would certainly provide a better understanding of everyone’s

roles and skill levels, which would lead to mutual respect. It is recommended

that a more senior staff member request and support this inter department co-

operation.

A Review with Fire personnel in water search and near shore rescue

techniques will assist with search and recovery during unsupervised periods.

3. Evaluate staff on their fitness level at the beginning of the season and

during the summer.

Fitness standards should be set at the beginning of the summer and

confirmed at regular intervals throughout the season and documented. This

will ensure a high level of fitness for the lifeguards and ensure that staff is at

peak performance throughout the summer.

Communication

At the time of the aquatic safety audit, the City of Windsor Sandpoint Beach,

communication procedures were within the range of Safe Practice.

Primary Recommendations

1. Revise beach signage.

At the time of the audit, it was determined that there was signage in great

abundance to notify or educate the public on the safety requirements and

danger areas of the beach operation.

However, some signage was conflicting, some was poorly placed, and some

covered by brush and trees.

It is recommended that a beach sign plan be created and implemented to

ensure a consistent message and should adhere to the content outlined in the

Lifesaving Society Waterfront Safety Guidelines, and placed in strategic

locations to ensure that it can be seen and read by the majority of patrons.

As quoted from the current waterfront guidelines “the owner and operator

shall ensure that the waterfront facility is operated in accordance with the

following guidelines:

• signs are posted at entrances and exits, or where there

are not specific entrances and exits, at reasonable

intervals along/near the swimming area, indicating:

• "Swimming area is not supervised; children require

direct supervision by parents or adults.”

“Don’t swim alone."

“Waterfront conditions (depth, bottom, etc.) may

change.”

• location of telephone for emergency use (or other

communication device), and nearest first aid station.

• diving can result in serious injury or death; patrons are

cautioned against diving, or to perform only foot first

entries in areas unsafe for diving or where uncertain of

water depth.

• Hours of operation are identified where applicable

• Beach safety rules such as “No Dogs”, “No Fires”, “No

Glass” etc.

• name of facility and operated by:____________________.

• report any site deficiencies to:______________________.

The nearest emergency telephone (or other communication device) carries a

list of names and numbers of the emergency services.”

A suggestion is for two major signs approx., 4 feet by 8 feet at the main

entrance locations to the park, to include a map of beach area, where you are

adjacent to the beach, locations of safety equipment, emergency telephone,

lifeguard stations, swimming buoyed off area, flag protocols, beach rules and

the hazard area on west side of beach.

Image signage vs. words should be incorporated for universal recognition.

A guideline can be found at the The American National Standards Institute

https://www.ansi.org. These are American standards used sometimes for

signage – especially pictograms.

Recommend staff and appropriate authorities review signage bylaws to

ensure that signage includes correct language to allow enforcement on beach

bylaws and fines for Lifesaving equipment removed from the beach.

Many municipalities across Ontario post the actual bylaw number on the

signage to allow for enforcement. This will ensure that appropriate

information is communicated to beach patrons. Since signage is often

removed from the beach area, staff should investigate ways of making

signage permanent and inaccessible.

Signage locations should include: (Areas to be clearly visible)

• Beach access points

• Lifeguard chairs

• Change room facility – interior and exterior walls

• West Area of Beach, site of previous incidents.

2. Establish, publish and train staff in a beach lifeguard hand and whistle

signal system.

It was unclear if a hand and whistle communication system exists, as all staff

had radios for communication. There was no mention of a signal, whistle

communication system in the staff manual. In the event of radio failure, hand

and whistle signals for staff, is recommended. These signals should be

practiced during pre-season and in-service training sessions. Pictures of

these signals and an explanation of a whistle system should also be

mentioned in the Facility Operating Manual.

3. Implement a public education campaign to promote safe swimming and

educate the public.

A public education campaign should be developed and delivered to visitors

and residents of the City of Windsor to educate them on general safety

messages for public waterfronts and waterways. Messages should include:

• Child Supervision Standards – “Parents should be Within

arm’s reach at all times”

• Serious Medical Condition Warnings

• Day Camp and Group Supervision Standards

• Swimming with a buddy

• Ice Safety and spring water runoff.

• Lifesaving Station positions and uses along the beach and

consequences of equipment vandalism

• Warnings about the dangerous associated with quickly

changing weather and water conditions (i.e. waves,

undertows, lateral and rip currents).

These messages should be delivered through, the City’s web site, public

notices, and when possible radio and television Public Service

Announcements. They should also be posted appropriately at the beach

access points.

Information flyers should be made available for visitors and distributed

through, the cities web site, local media, tourism and hotels/motels to educate

the visitors of , beach closures, (water quality), no swimming, or swim at your

own risk during unsupervised times, currents, conditions, the meaning of

flags, and supervision limits and rules enforced on the beach. Staff could

distribute these flyers on the beach when not actively involved in supervision

of the beach and water.

Secondary Recommendations

1. Install a public address system to be used at regular intervals to announce safety information

A functioning PA system should be in place at all times for communication

with the public. It can be used to make a public announcement at 11:00 am

when the beach supervision started for the day. Since patrons arrive at

various times throughout the day, it is recommended that the PA system be

used regularly throughout the day to educate swimmers of safety messages,

danger areas and activities throughout the day. It can also be used

effectively in the search of a missing person.

Facility and Equipment

At the time of the aquatic safety audit the City of Windsor Sandpoint Beach, facility

and equipment were within the range of Safe Practice.

Primary Recommendations

1. Install and maintain two sets of buoys markers within the designated swim areas.

At the time of the audit, it was noted that the existing swim buoys markers

were lying flat in the water and required adjustment, repair or replacement. It

was also observed that two sets of buoy lines were marking off the same

area. Upon investigation it was revealed that past practice was to have the

two buoy lines lined in at about 10 to 15 feet apart to create the “swim” area,

a “neutral” area and then the boater area. It is recommended that installing

two sets of buoys will designate a swimming area which is within 60 meters

of the beach, with a depth of approximately 3 meters, and a second set of

buoys which will designate the swimmer/boating limits. The section between

the two sets of buoys will act as a buffer separating swimmers from boaters.

The swim buoy markers should be tightened up on their anchor line to have

them stand in the water in a vertical position.

2. Clearly identify and moor the Rescue Craft off shore for quick response to offshore and south west beach incidents.

At the time of the audit the rescue craft was placed on shore. The craft needs

to be clearly identified for its primary use and moored off shore so it can more

quickly respond to an emergency situation. It was also noted that the

drowning marker was missing and a needs to be replaced. As well the craft

did not contain 3 flares as required by Transport Canada for vessels under 6

meters.

3. Install a propeller guard system on the 9 hp motor.

Propeller guards are installed on outboard motors to protect swimmers. These

prevent bathers from getting cut from the moving propeller. A guard should be installed so that swimmers will not be injured when the craft is responding to an emergency situation.

4. Enhance the installation of lifesaving stations along the public beach.

Equipment located at each rescue station should include

• A reaching pole of at least 3m in length

• A buoyant throwing aid attached to a 6mm line at least 8m

in length

• Appropriate signage as dictated by the Lifesaving Society

Waterfront Safety Guidelines

This signage should also indicate the purpose of the equipment and should

advise the consequences of misuse. These signs should also be installed on

each station. Stations should be located no more than 50 m from the water’s

edge and no more than 200 m apart.

5. Inspect designated beach area on a regular basis.

A daily inspection schedule should be established to check beach areas,

shorelines, lifesaving stations equipment and signage placements. These

inspections should be documented, dated, signed, and any necessary

remedies necessary or taken.

This regular inspection will help keep the beach clean and ensure it is free

from hazards, track vandalism/missing equipment and help to ensure

equipment and signage remains in place so it will be available in an

emergency situation.

Secondary Recommendations

1. Check and clean out lifeguard station ring buoys box areas.

It was noted during the audit that the boxes were full of debris. It is

recommended that these boxes be cleaned, ring buoys checked, tested and

recoiled on a regular basis.

2. Conduct daily inspections of all lifeguard waist pacs.

At the time of inspection it was noted that the waist pacs contents located on the lifeguard chairs were damp, sandy and non-sterile. These should be replaced so that lifeguards have immediate access to these supplies when an emergency occurs.

3. Enhance lighting in both the men’s and ladies change room.

Regulation requires that bather change room areas be illuminated to a minimum of 200 lux. This ensures bathers have sufficient lighting to change safely. Steps should be taken to enhance this lighting.

4. Paint walls and repair deteriorating benches in men’s and ladies change rooms.

The paint is peeling in these change rooms. This contaminates the flooring and change room benches. Steps should be taken to remove peeling paint and paint the walls.

5. Recommend adding baby change tables to Men’s and Ladies Change rooms.

Providing secure baby change tables, with liners. reduces the possible risk of fall injuries in the change rooms for toddlers. These also reduce cross contamination caused by improper diaper changing procedures.

6. Adjust buoy line placement during the season.

Water levels fluctuate on a seasonal basis and so to ensure that shallow, deep and supervised areas are clearly designated these lines should be moved throughout the season. This will help to avoid sandbanks within the supervised area, stagnant water pools, etc. within swimming area.

7. Provide a complete set of masks, fins, snorkels at each lifeguard tower.

In the case of an emergency, time is of an essence, and by having extra

equipment at these locations, time will be saved, if needed for water

searches.

8. Provide waterproof portable radios.

Equipment at waterfronts, even with the best practices in place, usually will get wet. To ensure communication is always available it is recommended that all radios be waterproof designed or at least wrapped in plastic.

9. Consideration should be given to becoming an international Blue Flag Beach and incorporate the Blue Flag Guiding principles, on safety, beach management, and environment protection.

The Blue Flag system has excellent signage related standard requirements. http://environmentaldefence.ca/campaigns/blue-flag-canada

Appendix

1. Aquatic Staff Manual – Suggested Contents List

2. SEE Evaluation – Level 1 Waterfront

3. SEE Criteria – Level 1 Waterfront

4. SEE Evaluation – Level 2 Individual Waterfront Staff

5. SEE Criteria – Level 2 Individual Waterfront Staff

6. Photos

Appendix 1 Aquatic Staff Manual

Suggested Contents List

January 2004

Introductory Section

Welcome—identify the target of the manual (i.e.: Lifeguard and / or Pool Supervisor)

Table of Contents –page numbers—index -- so information can be found quickly

Vision / Mission of Department

Staff Conduct / Norms of behavior

Facility location(s) and phone numbers

Directions for travel to facility

Facility description—answers to commonly asked questions (e.g. Dimensions, depth, special features)

Emergency Procedures (Aquatic)

Aquatic Emergency Procedure summary (one pager showing Minor and Major procedures required by Health Regulations to be documented and available to staff at facility, usually posted)

Emergency signals

Emergency follow-up procedures (minor and Major)

Emergency phone procedures (to EMS)

Follow-up procedures

Minor follow-up procedures

Follow-up emergency telephone contact list (to supervisory staff)

Accident / Incident reporting Procedures (sample forms)

Missing person procedures

Procedures for handling the media

Signs & Symptoms/Common Emergency Procedures (Non-Aquatic)

Fire evacuation

Power failure

Gas Leak

Bomb threat

Suspicion of child abuse

Theft

Aquatic Supervision Procedures

Signals

Minor rescue procedures

Lifeguard rotation procedures–length of time

Lifeguard positions

Lifeguard: Patron ratios

Safety in change rooms

Instructor safe teaching practices

Class size maximums

Operational Procedures

Opening procedures

Closing procedure

Equipment required on deck

First Aid stations-supplies required

Day Camp procedures-councilor: child ratios

Pool fouling procedures

Daily telephone check

Outlet check

bottom visibility check

Patron Rules

Admission requirements

Definition of “Direct supervision”

Medical conditions

Age for opposite sex change room access-Alternate arrangements.

Posted pool rules

Patron discipline procedures

“Hot pool” rules / policies (i.e.: age of access, health risks, length of submersion, activity restrictions)

Slide rules / restrictions

Maximum bather load

Customer service guidelines

Health Regulations

List those regulations (Health and Amusement devices Acts), which are relevant for the staff targeted by the manual.

Use clear wording (such as wording in Lifesaving Society Guide to Public Pools Regulation

Reference each with the appropriate reg. number

Instructional Program Information

Registration information

First lesson procedure

Final lesson procedure

End of term paperwork (could include sample final reports etc.)

Registration transfer policies

Parent spectator policies (where no off-deck viewing is available)

Facts on cross-contamination

Information on common childhood diseases and communicable diseases

Instructional devices for rescue breathing practice

Family change facilities

Make-up classes resulting from pool fouling etc.

Weather cancellation policies

Human resources & Administration

Position job descriptions

Terms of Employment

Staff qualifications-record of same

Staff in-service training requirement

Staff work attendance-replacements

Staff evaluation

Staff discipline

Staff uniform

Pay rates / Payroll Procedures

Time sheets

Facility keys

Facility rental-procedures for booking

Facility log book

Occupational Health

WHMIS

Sun / Heat safety for aquatic staff

Cash / Reception

Solo facility lock-up policies

Harassment-free workplace policies

Protective measures to prevent cross contamination (victim to staff)

Appendix 2

2011

Supervision Evaluation & Enhancement (SEE)

Level 1 - Waterfront

SEE Visitation Report - Level 1

SEE Visitation Report- Level 1

WATERFRONT

Date: August 18/2012 Time: 2:00 pm Waterfront: Sandpoint Beach – Windsor ON

Weather Conditions: Sunny/Warm Water Conditions: Calm Approx. Water: not posted Air Temp: not posted

Est. # on Beach 40 Est.# in Water 8 to 14 Beach Activity: Families and Recreation based

Lifeguard Descriptions: (Staff positioning depicted on sketch below)

Guard 1. Blue Shirt/Male/Beard Location GChair #2 Guard 5. ________________ Location __________

Guard 2. _________________ Location ___________ Guard 6. ________________ Location __________

Guard 3. _________________ Location ___________ Guard 7. ________________ Location __________

Guard 4. _________________ Location ___________ Guard 8. ________________ Location __________

No. of staff on duty: ________ No. of staff staff on beach: ______

Sketch Beach: Legend:: X - Lifeguard Tower S-Shallow D-Deep C-Currents SO-Submerged Objects

FR-Floating Rafts or Pier Formations

Visitation parameters Rating Scaling Score

Factor

Application of Parental Supervision /5 x 2 _______/10

Or

Walk Out Pier Guard Office

Buoy Line

S

S

S

S

S

S

S

D

Visitation parameters Rating

Access Controlled OR Uncontrolled 5/5

Equipment placement 5/5

Stationing of lifeguards 5/5

Proper bather/lifeguard ratio 5/5

Water conditions signed/flagged 5/5

Swim/boat areas defined 0/5

Total /30

Total Score x 3.3333 ______ /100

_____________________________ __Cynthia Cakebread__ Supervisor/ Head Lifeguard Lifesaving SEE Auditor

Score Sheet Explanations 0- Not performed or performed below NLS standard 5- Performed at NLS standard

Comments: - Buoy Lines are in, but cans marking swim areas are not “erect” – attached to buoy lines

but lying in water. There are 3, but oddly placed along buoy line and may not be visible from channel side of lines.

- Double buoy line – not separated to clearly mark swim/boat area and some areas of buoy submerged in water

- Tubes/Spine Board/First Aid Kit @ Office – Tubes with Guard @ GChair - Water and Air temperature not posted/Ecoli Posted @ 68 - Although bathers present on “East Beach”, foot patrol from guard #2 did not start until

after 3:00 pm

Copyright, THE LIFESAVING SOCIETY, Ontario Branch

Reproduction by any means, of materials contained in this checklist is prohibited unless authorized by the publisher. Requests should be directed to the Ontario office of the Lifesaving Society

November 19, 2006

Appendix 3

Supervision Evaluation and Enhancement (SEE) Criteria

WATERFRONT-LEVEL 1

CONTROLLED ACCESS WATERFRONT

Initial Application of Admission Standard

0 - Park attendant/Cashier not imposing or minimal attempt to impose admission

standard

5 - Signage present and evidence of application of policy

OR

NO CONTROLLED ACCESS WATERFRONT

Application of Parental Supervision Signage

0 - Lifeguard(s) not imposing supervision standard

5 - Signage present and evidence of application of policy

Equipment placement

0 - Rescue equipment not present or not in suitable location

5 - All required safety equipment in place

Proper stationing of lifeguard

0 - Lifeguard(s) not at designated stations/position

5 - Lifeguard(s) in designated stations/position

Proper bather to lifeguard ratio

0 - Illegal bather to lifeguard ratios according to waterfront policy

5 - Correct bather to lifeguard ratios according to waterfront policy

Water conditions signed or flagged

0 - No or poorly understood information on water conditions and quality

5 - Clearly understood signage and or flagged water conditions

Swimming and/or boating areas definition enforced

0 - Designation of swimming and boating areas not enforced

5 - Swimming and boating areas, segregated and enforced

Appendix 4

2011

Supervision Evaluation & Enhancement (SEE)

Waterfront Criteria

Level 2 - Individual Waterfront Staff

SEE Visitation Report - Level 2

INDIVIDUAL WATERFRONT STAFF

Date: August 18/2012 Time: 2:00 pm Waterfront: Sandpoint Beach – Windsor ON

Weather Conditions: Sunny/Warm Water Conditions: Calm Approx. Water: not posted Air Temp: not posted

Est. # on Beach 40 Est.# in Water 8 to 14 Beach Activity: Families and Recreation based

Lifeguard Descriptions: (Staff positioning depicted on sketch below)

Guard 1. Blue Shirt/Male/Beard Location GChair #2 Guard 5. ________________ Location _________

Guard 2. Dark Hair/Male Location GChair #2 Guard 6. ________________ Location __________

Guard 3. Short Hair/Goatee Location GChair #2 Guard 7. ________________ Location __________

Guard 4. _________________ Location ___________ Guard 8. ________________ Location __________

No. of staff on duty: 4 No. of staff on beach: 1 and eventually 2nd

guard began a rove of beach at around 3:00 pm

Sketch Beach: Legend:: X - Lifeguard Tower

(Staff positioning and rotation depicted on sketch below)

Visitation parameters Rating Scaling Score

Factor

Application of Parental Supervision /5 x 2 _______/10

Or

Walk Out Pier Guard Office

Guard Chair #2

Guard Chair #1

Guard Chair #3

Visitation Parameters LG 1 LG 2 LG 3 LG 4 LG 5 LG 6 LG 7 LG 8 Head Movement continuous

5/5 0/5 0/5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5

Coverage of Zone 5/5 5/5 0/5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5

Scanning Pattern consistent

0/5 0/5 0/5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5

Scanning Standard 0/5 0/5 0/5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5 Rescue Ready 5/5 0/5 5/5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5

Communication with public/lifeguard

0/5 0/5 0/5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5

Preventative lifeguarding 5/5 5/5 0/5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5

Lifeguard in Uniform 5/5 5/5 5/5 /5 /5 /5 /5 /5

Score /40 /40 /40 /40 /40 /40 /40 /40 X 2.5

Total Score /100 /100 /100 /100 /100 /100 /100 /100

Score Sheet Explanations 1- Not performed or performed below NLS standard 5- Performed at NLS standard

Comments: - Beach “in-water” was not particularly busy during first guard and beginning of second

guard out, which may have been reason for poor scanning technique. - #1 to #2 guard improper changeover, LG#1 left before LG #2 set and in place - #2 guard spend most of his time focused directly at activity, versus a regular constant

back and forth scanning of his entire waterfront zone. - #3 guard arrives on beach in gator, driving at full speed across beach front, relaxed

back position steering with one hand - Changeovers between guards poor, many moments of zero supervision. No waiting

between guards to ensure in place and set to supervise/scan - #2 to #3 spent first 10 minutes chatting at chair - #3 guard follows no scan pattern, infrequently scans whole zone, does not look alert

(resting chin on hand) and attention drawn to “action on beach”, not pattern or zone - #3 began a foot rotation covering the east beach patrons (after patrons had arrived and

established themselves), but then carried onto the west end of the beach, pausing to chat with guard in chair

_Cynthia Cakebread_________ ______________________________

Lifesaving Society SEE Auditor Lifesaving Society Chief SEE Auditor

Copyright, THE LIFESAVING SOCIETY, Ontario Branch Reproduction by any means, of materials contained in this checklist is prohibited unless authorized

by the publisher. Requests should be directed to the Ontario office of the Lifesaving Society

November 19, 2006

Appendix 5

Lifesaving Society

Supervision Evaluation and Enhancement (SEE) Criteria

Individual Waterfront Staff - Level 2

Head Movement Continuous

0 - Limited or no head movement, staring or pausing occasionally

5 - Good movement, rarely pausing

Coverage of Zones

0 - Fails to cover entire area of designated zone

5 - Covers entire area of zone coordinated with other lifeguards and bather activities

Scanning pattern consistent

0 - Irregular or no scanning pattern, areas not viewed

5 - Follows a consistent pattern

Scanning Standard

0 - Standard not met

5 - Standard met, sweeping area not less than 10 and no more than 30 seconds

Rescue Ready

0 - Inappropriate behaviour, or appears to be tired or inattentive

5 - Aware of surroundings, alert, vigilant and appears to be ready for action

Communication with public/lifeguard

0 - Ineffective or no verbal communication with the public/lifeguard

5 - Adequate communication (verbal / whistle) with the public/lifeguard

Preventative lifeguarding

0 - Inadequate prevention strategies from lifeguard to correct dangerous bather activity

5 - Preventative strategies in place and communicated by lifeguard

Lifeguard in uniform and Sun Smart

0 - Lifeguard not in designated uniform, or inadequate choice of rescue aid

5 - Lifeguard in designated uniform and readily identifiable, including effective choice of

rescue aid and whistle

Appendix 6

Photos

*Mound of sand in front of lifeguard chair*

*Examples of present signage on site

*notice no swimming sign on supervised beach*

*location of signage possible to far away from danger site*

*notice marker bouys lying flat on water.*

*notice signs not being clearly visable*