(a) Waterparks shall be operated and maintained in accordance with the most restrictive applicable operational standards specified in the following documents:
(1) Specifications contained in this chapter.
(2) ASTM F-24 “Standards on Amusement Rides and Devices.”
(3) “Virginia Amusement Device Regulations.”
(4) Industry standards and manufacturer's specifications and recommendations.
(b) Personnel.
(1) Pool operators shall comply with the requirements specified in Section 838.10.
(2) Lifeguards shall be at least sixteen years of age or as allowed by the U.S. Department of Labor, meet the requirements specified in Section 838.58 and receive training specific to the waterpark facility environment.
(3) Attendants shall be trained to operate an attraction and control the patrons in a safe and orderly manner. Attendants not certified as lifeguards shall not substitute for lifeguards at any pool.
(c) Safety.
(1) For all attractions with flumes or chutes, clearing of the receiving pool entry area prior to allowing another patron to enter is required.
(2) Use of certain waterpark facility pools may be limited by an individual's swimming ability. Other restrictions may be imposed as necessary.
(3) Attendant and lifeguard stations shall be manned at all times an attraction is in use.
(4) U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices shall be readily available and accessible for those patrons that choose to use them.
(d) Design Load. Individual pool loads and the maximum facility load shall be determined by the Director, with consideration of Section 838.101(d)(4). At no time shall the designated maximum pool load or the maximum facility load be exceeded. The maximum facility load and the maximum pool loads shall be posted at the main entrance to the waterpark facility. The waterpark facility pool operator shall be responsible for enforcing the maximum facility load and maximum pool loads.
(1) The maximum pool loads and the maximum facility loads may be additionally restricted due to the following conditions:
A. A congested grouping of patrons, tubes or floatation devices or any other grouping that obstructs the lifeguard's view of the pool bottom.
B. Other conditions which may compromise the health or safety of the patrons.
(e) Additional Operational Procedures.
(1) Pool operators shall monitor the water flow rates through flume and attractions to insure that a constant water flow is maintained at rates in accordance with manufacturer's specifications and recommendations.
(2) The facility operation and maintenance manual specified in Section 838.101(d)(5), shall be maintained at the waterpark facility and be available for inspection at all times.
(Ord. 07-14. Passed 12-18-07.)