INTRODUCCTION

This document is the result of the joint work undertaken by the Department of Health, the Catalan Association of Municipalities and the Municipal Federation of Catalonia. It is based on the agreement and cooperation of all three organisations involved, which have established the Decree 95/2000, of 22nd February, which establishes health regulations for public swimming pools. 

Article 29 of this Decree establishes swimming pool installations must have internal regulations for users. To facilitate the task of those responsible for public swimming pools, we have drawn up a draft on internal regulations, in which all issues relating to users have been especially taken into account. Internal regulations presented below are a basic model which can serve as a point of depart, but must be adapted to each installation.

GENERAL REGULATIONS FOR PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS

It is compulsory to:

· Shower immediately before entering the pool.

· Follow instructions issued by technical staff and lifeguards.

· Follow the installations’ safety regulations.

· Respect other users.

· Use litter bins.

· Respect areas designed for swimming course or guided activities, and also lanes designed for games and public facilities for swimming.

· Look for safety signals in the swimming pool regarding the use of springboards, levers and slides, and those referring to water depth.

· Children who have not yet learned to swim are equipped with floating devices (swimming jackets, swimming aids, etc.) adapted to their age, which enable their floatability and keeps their head out of water if they may fall.

It is forbidden:

· The entrance of children under 14, in open-swimming schedule, if not accompanied by an adult.

· Smoking or drinking in the installation, except in the areas designated.

· The entrance of animals, except in especial cases, such as seeing eye dogs.

· Introducing objects made of glass or any other material which can shatter in the beach area and in solarium.

· To enter bathing area with inadequate clothes or shoes, except in visits authorised by the person responsible for the installation.

· To use any kind of material (balls, inflatable objects, etc.) which entails a risk or bother for users, except in areas and schedule set forth for its use.

· Running or pushing. When being near the pool, it is compulsory to walk.

· Dangerous games in the pool, such as making other people plunge.

· To use springboards, except in areas and schedule reserved.

· For people having skin infectious and contagious diseases to access the bathing area. In doubt, the Direction may require the user to submit a medical certificate.

It is recommended:

· If you want to plunge into the water, make user water depth is sufficient and that there are no obstacles or people you can collide with.

· The use of swimming shoes.

· To swim on the right side of lane.

· Not to cross lanes, as it can disrupt other users’ activities.

· Children should always be supervised by a responsible adult at all times when in or around the pool. Children should be watched closely while swimming.

· Preventing children from playing near swimming pools which are not designed for their use.

· After eating, let at least two hours pass before bathing.

· Not to enter into the pool straight away when bathing for the first time, after sunbathing or after an intense physical exercise.

HEATED SWIMMING POOL

It is compulsory to:

· Use a swimming cap.

SWIMMING POOL IN SUMMER

It is forbidden:

· The use of sound device, which can bother other users in community areas.

It is recommended:

· To put the towel or bathmat on the swimming beach or area provided, if you want to sunbathe.

· To shower immediately before entering the swimming pool, if you have sunbathed or made intense physical activity.

· Sunbathe moderately, and enter the pool progressively.

CHANGING ROOMS

The Direction of the installation will not be held responsible under any circumstances for valuables left in the changing rooms.

It is compulsory to:

·Leave changing rooms in good conditions for other users.

It is recommended:

· To use swimming shoes.

· Rinse yourself thoroughly after a shower to avoid infections.

REGULATIONS FOR INSTALLATIONS

· The prohibition of diving into the water, due to insufficient depth, must be indicated by a sign.

· Swimming pools have a maximum seat in accordance with different schedules. To this effect, each installation must have a sign indicating the seat permitted.

· Depths in the different areas of the pool must be indicated.

· Schedule for recreational activities and areas provided for that purpose must be indicated.

· The situation of first-aid kit and infirmary must be indicated.

· Areas where shoes are not permitted must be indicated.