(a) Parental permission. Written signed permission from parents for all children participating in swimming activities must be on file at the center.
(b) Supervision. Any activity which involves water is supervised constantly. This includes supervision of children in dressing areas.
- (1) Staff-child ratios for swimming are met, in accordance with OAC 340:110-3-9.1(f).
- (2) Staff are in or at the water and prepared to enter it at any time.
- (3) When children are using a pool with a depth of 18 inches or less of water, a staff member who has successfully completed training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) appropriate to the ages of the children is present.
- (4) When children are using a pool with a depth of more than 18 inches of water, a certified life guard is present.
(c) Life guard. If the life guard is a staff member of the center, he or she:
- (1) has satisfactorily completed a certified course of instruction in life guarding by or equivalent to that offered by the American Red Cross or YMCA and which includes CPR appropriate to the age of the children;\
- (2) is not counted in staff-child ratios; and
- (3) is responsible for no more than 35 children.
(d) Safety. Staff ensures children's safety during water activities. Staff review all swimming and safety rules each time children participate in water activities.
- (1) Before children are permitted in water over their shoulders, their swimming skills are tested by a staff member.
- (2) There is a system, known to children and staff, for checking to ensure that each child is safe when in the water.
- (3) Lifesaving equipment is available at the pool side in accordance with the Oklahoma State Department of Health's Public Bathing Place Regulations, OAC 310:320-3-1.
(e) Swimming pools. Swimming pools used by the child care center are considered public bathing places and include permanent wading pools, inground pools, and above ground pools.
- (1) Swimming pools are in compliance with the water quality, occupancy and fencing standards in Chapter 315, Public Bathing Place Standards and Chapter 320, Public Bathing Place Regulations.
- (2) Diving is permitted only when the pool meets design criteria for a diving pool.
(f) Restrictions. The center ensures compliance with the requirements in this subsection.
- (1) Ponds, pools, hot tubs, stock tanks, or other potential water hazards are inaccessible to children.
- (2) Swimming, wading, and boating are not allowed at a lake, pond, or other similar body of water. School-age children may go fishing or boating, if swimming staff-child ratios are met. When boating, appropriately-sized and approved life jackets are worn by children.
- (3) Use of saunas, spas, or hot tubs by children is prohibited.
- (4) Portable wading pools are prohibited.