WAC 246-262-080   Operation.  (1) Owners shall ensure proper operation to protect the public health and safety of the users and the water quality of the RWCF.

     (2) Owners shall prepare and use an operations manual for the RWCF.

     (3) Owners shall routinely inspect, maintain, and repair the physical components to:

     (a) Ensure all structural facilities are intact and free from corrosion, wear, or stress;

     (b) Prevent water ponding on walking surfaces;

     (c) Ensure equipment is available and operable including:

     (i) Disinfection, filtration, and related equipment;

     (ii) Lifesaving equipment; and

     (iii) Communication systems.

     (4) Owners shall ensure user health and safety by adequately staffing the RWCF during operation. Staffing shall include:

     (a) Advanced first-aid personnel at all times facility is open to the public;

     (b) Lifeguards and/or attendants as appropriate at all times facility is open to the public; and

     (c) Water treatment operator as needed.

     (5) Owners shall ensure each type of personnel performs the following duties:

     (a) Advanced first-aid personnel shall provide emergency medical treatment;

     (b) Lifeguard shall have sole responsibility for guarding users in area assigned;

     (c) Attendants shall have sole responsibility for assuring proper user control in areas assigned; and

     (d) Water treatment operator shall oversee water treatment operations and conduct necessary water quality monitoring.

     (6) Owners shall ensure each type of personnel meets the designated training requirements:

     (a) Advanced first-aid personnel with:

     (i) A current advanced first-aid certification or equivalent or higher levels of training including:

     (A) First responder;

     (B) Emergency medical technician; or

     (C) Paramedic.

     (ii) Training on management of spinal injuries in the aquatic environment if lifeguards with lifeguard training are not at the RWCF.

     (b) Lifeguards with a current lifeguard certificate through any of the recognized programs in the definition (WAC 246-262-010(23));

     (c) Attendants with training determined appropriate by the owner to respond to user safety needs at the attractions, and:

     (i) Attendants stationed at shallow pool facilities (less than four feet water depth) with documented training regarding their response in at least the following:

     (A) Safety instruction on basic methods of water rescue, reaching, and extension assists;

     (B) Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and airway management;

     (C) Basic bleeding control;

     (D) Basic fracture management; and

     (E) Specific instruction on management of spinal injuries related to the aquatic environment.

     (ii) Attendants stationed at entry access areas with basic training including:

     (A) Controlling and supervising users in areas where attendant is responsible;

     (B) Controlling timing of user entry rate where appropriate;

     (C) Use of communication systems; and

     (D) Knowledge of CPR by at least one attendant on duty.

     (d) Water treatment operators knowledgeable in pool water chemistry, filters, and pumping equipment; and

     (e) When gas chlorine is used, the manager or the operator with specific training in:

     (i) Proper operation and maintenance procedures of the chlorination equipment;

     (ii) Physical and chemical properties of chlorine gas under pressure;

     (iii) Use of emergency safety equipment; and

     (iv) Proper first-aid procedures and response for accidental inhalation of chlorine gas and leaks.

     (7) Owners shall ensure adequate emergency response with:

     (a) Lifeguards (and attendants where appropriate) located to provide a response time not to exceed thirty seconds to all users in pools;

     (b) Backup lifeguard (or attendant where appropriate) provisions so response time is maintained during multiple rescues;

     (c) Lifeguards at all pools. Attendants may substitute for lifeguards at pools less than four feet in depth which:

     (i) Are strictly used as receiving pools for attractions where users leave the pool immediately after entering; or

     (ii) Are strictly used for wading activity; and

     (iii) Attendants meet the training requirements specified in subsection (6)(c)(i) of this section.

     (d) Provisions for emergency response drills to meet the response time and actions noted in WAC 246-262-080 including:

     (i) Drills at least twice each operating season; and

     (ii) Documentation of testing.

     (8) Owners shall regulate activities of users and spectators including:

     (a) Requirement to obey RWCF rules related to health and safety; and

     (b) Warning that failure to comply with rules constitutes grounds for exclusion from the premises or management action as necessary.

     (9) Owners shall ensure RWCF user control in specific attractions by requiring:

     (a) On speed slides, completion of the ride by one user before allowing another user to enter;

     (b) On ramp slides, clearing of the slide by one group prior to second group entering; and

     (c) On drop slide or tube, clearing of the pool entry area prior to allowing another user to enter.

     (10) Owners shall monitor various environmental conditions which affect facility safety. Weather conditions, including electrical storms, fog, wind, sun glare creating visibility problems, and other such factors shall be evaluated. Appropriate action shall be taken in response to these factors to ensure user safety.



[Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 92-02-020 (Order 226B), § 246-262-080, filed 12/23/91, effective 1/23/92. Statutory Authority: RCW 43.20.050. 91-02-051 (Order 124B), recodified as § 246-262-080, filed 12/27/90, effective 1/31/91. Statutory Authority: RCW 70.90.120. 88-13-125 (Order 311), § 248-97-090, filed 6/22/88.]