(a) Pool operator. A public or semi-public pool may be operated only under the immediate supervision and control of an individual possessing a current and valid pool operator's license issued by the Health Officer. The license shall be conspicuously displayed in the immediate vicinity of the pool when the operator is on duty.
(b) Lifeguards. Except as provided in subsection (d), a public pool may be operated only under the active, onsite supervision and under the direct observation of a lifeguard. The number of lifeguards required shall be determined by the following table:
Number of Persons in Water | Number of Lifeguards |
1 to 50 | 1 |
51 to 100 | 2 |
101 to 150 | 3 |
For each additional 50 persons | 1 |
(c) Simultaneous operator and lifeguard. Except as provided in subsection (d), a public pool may not be operated with the same person acting simultaneously as an operator and lifeguard unless the pool is closed to use whenever the lifeguard is not physically present on the deck of the pool.
(d) Exceptions to lifeguard requirement. The requirements in subsections (b) and (c) do not apply to:
(1) a spa; or
(2) a pool or multiple pools within one enclosure with a total water surface area of less than 2,500 square feet and a maximum depth of five feet on the grounds of:
(i) a hotel or motel, when it is used exclusively by its registered guests; or
(ii) a health club, when it is used exclusively by its members and guests who are at least 18 years old.
(e) CPR and first aid certificates. A public or semi-public pool may be operated only under the onsite supervision of an individual possessing a current and valid infant/child/adult CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) certificate and a valid first aid certificate issued by the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, or a similar organization recognized by the Health Officer.
(f) Required equipment. Each public and semi-public pool shall be equipped with a first aid kit and an automated external defibrillator (AED) device approved by the Health Officer and the following safety equipment: a face mask for CPR; disposable latex plastic gloves; a bloodborne pathogen control kit; a light, strong rescue pole not less than 10 feet long; a rescue tube designed for lifesaving for each required lifeguard; two blankets; a cot; a backboard designed for medical emergency use that is equipped with straps and head immobilizer; a telephone shall be provided within the pool enclosure or other approved location.
(g) Signs. An owner of a public or semi-public pool or of a public or semi-public spa, as those terms are defined in COMAR 10.17.01.05, shall post signs as required by COMAR 10.17.04.40F at each pool and spa.
(1985 Code, Art. 16, § 16-304) (Bill No. 89-97; Bill No. 52-12; Bill No. 18-16; Bill No. 65-18; Bill No. 71-21)