The Water Recreation Program Staff work to reduce the risk of unintentional drowning and to prevent illness for people who swim, soak, or play in public pool, spas, hot tubs or natural bodies of water through the following activities:
- Conducting routine inspections of public swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. During inspections, staff:
- Check the levels of chemicals in the pool to make certain that the pool water contains enough chlorine or bromine to prevent harmful bacteria or virus from reaching unsafe levels.
- Make certain that fences and gates that help to keep small children from entering the pool area without a parent or guardian meet minimum standards.
- Check to make certain pool operators have all the necessary equipment needed to respond to emergencies.
- Review the records kept by pool operators that show how frequently they test the pool and the results of the testing.
- Investigate drowning and near drowning incidents.
- Investigate possible illnesses.
- Investigate complaints.
- Provide community education opportunities to lifeguards, pool operators, and community groups on water recreation safety.