🛟 Top 5 Safety Standards Every Pool Supervisor Should Know (According to the Lifesaving Society)
In aquatic environments, strong supervision is the cornerstone of safety. Whether you're running a municipal pool, waterpark, or condo facility, the pool supervisor plays a crucial role in preventing incidents, supporting lifeguards, and promoting public trust.
This article outlines five key safety standards every supervisor (or pool operator) in Ontario should understand — based on guidance from the Lifesaving Society, Canada’s leading authority on aquatic safety.
đź“ť Note: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult your local health authority or legal professional for regulatory compliance.
âś… 1. Maintain Proper Lifeguard Ratios and Positioning
The Lifesaving Society recommends supervision ratios based on Ontario Regulation 565 which accounts for pool size, number of bathers, and type of activity. Common standards include:
Lifeguard to bather ratios for general / recreational swim, as well as Instructor to candidate ratios for learn-to-swim programs
Additional lifeguards for slides, deep ends, or where visibility is limited
Lifeguards must be positioned to see all areas of the pool — no blind spots
Supervisors should ensure staffing levels are scheduled to meet or exceed these benchmarks, especially during peak hours.
âś… 2. Post and Enforce Required Signage
Proper signage is essential for both public communication and incident prevention. Signs should include:
Pool rules (no diving, no running, etc.)
Depth markings (clearly visible at regular intervals)
“Unsupervised Pool” signage when applicable
Emergency contact and AED location signage
According to Ontario Regulation with additional guidance from Lifesaving Society, signage must be “visible, clear, and durable” and supervisors should inspect it daily.
âś… 3. Conduct Regular Safety Checks and Documentation
Supervisors are responsible for implementing daily, weekly, and monthly safety inspections, including:
Visual inspection of pool deck hazards
Verifying accessibility of lifesaving equipment
Confirming first aid supplies are stocked
Ensuring the emergency action plan (EAP) is visible and up to date
Inspect water chemistry, outlet cover, GFCIs, anti-entrapment devices, emergency telephone, etc. as required by Ontario Regulation 565
Maintain written records of all inspections — not only for safety, but also as part of your facility’s due diligence. Also consider conducting prescribed safety inspections using the Lifesaving Society’s Aquatic Safety Inspector Course mindset, as delivered by AquaSafe Pro Training.
âś… 4. Support Emergency Response Readiness
Every supervisor should ensure staff are trained and drilled in responding to:
Drownings and near-drownings
Spinal injuries
Medical emergencies (e.g. seizures, heart attacks)
Chemical spills
Consider running scenario-based emergency drills at least once per month.
âś… 5. Promote a Positive Safety Culture
Beyond checklists and ratios, a great supervisor fosters a team culture that prioritizes communication, alertness, and professional conduct. That means:
Supporting continuous training
Encouraging lifeguards to speak up about unsafe situations
Holding regular team debriefs or “safety huddles”
Facilities with a proactive, positive safety culture consistently report fewer incidents and stronger team cohesion.
🎓 Ready to Strengthen Your Supervision Skills?
AquaSafe Pro Training offers courses to help you lead with confidence:
SEE Auditor Certification
Whether you're preparing for a busy summer season or want to align your facility with Ontario’s leading safety practices, we're here to help.
➡️ Explore upcoming courses at by visiting our Courses page.
đź”’ Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For regulatory guidance, please consult your local health department or a legal professional.