Requirement of a Lifeguard at all Public Pools in New York City | How Many Lifeguards Must be on Duty at Public Swimming Pools, Hotel Swimming Pools, Motel Swimming Pools & Wave Pools in New York City

• Swimming pools with less than 3,400 square feet of surface water require at least one Supervision Level II Lifeguard for every 75 swimmers / bathers.
  
• Swimming pools with more than 3,400 square feet of surface water require at least one Supervision Level II Lifeguard for every 3,400 square feet of suface water, an additional Supervision Level II Lifeguard when 50% or more of the pools total capacity is expected to be reached and one Supervising Lifeguard if three or more lifeguards will be present.
• Swimming pools being used for lap swimming or other similar usage may allow for less lifeguard supervision than would normally be required for a pool of the size being used.
• Wading pools require at least one Supervision Level III Lifeguard
• Physical therapy pools require one Supervision Level III Lifeguard to be on deck with the exception of if the physical therapy pool is provided by a physician or physical therapist.
  
• Wave pools require a minimum of three Supervision Level II Lifeguards, including two lifeguard chairs which are outfitted with a switch to stop the wave pool whenever it is in use in case a rescue needs to be made.
  
• Pools in use for instructional activities including learn to swim programs, physical education classes and swim activities require that a Supervision Level II Lifeguard provide the instructions and at least one Supervison Level III staff must be provided for each supervisory lifeguard instructing. A safety plan must be in place also.
  
• White water slide areas must be supervised by Supervision Level II Lifeguards. This number is to be determined by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. Also a safety plan and layout must be submitted before approval.
  
• Sauna and steam rooms must either provide a one hour timer or must be inspected by a responsible person every 15 minutes while keeping a log.
  
• Spray grounds must be inspected periodically by a supervising staff member.

For information on the law in NYC which requires that lifeguards be present at public pools when they are open or in use and also for a description of the different levels of Supervisory Lifeguards read our article.

                                                                                                       
Frank J. Dito, Jr., Esq. a member of the "Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum", is an experienced trial attorney who represents injured individuals and their families. Frank is the author of "A Lawyers Guide to Car Insurance" , the publisher of the "New York Injury Law Blog" and he is a frequent speaker regarding the recovery of benefits and the preservation of rights resulting from accidents and work place injuries. If you or a family member has been injured in an accident or in the work place contact Frank J. Dito, Jr. to discuss your legal rights and how he assists clients in obtaining the benefits and compensation that they are entitled to.