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If it is foreseeable, it is preventable.
As Canada’s lifeguarding expert, the Lifesaving Society establishes aquatic safety standards and consults on aquatic safety issues for the aquatic industry, governments, and the judiciary. The Society’s suite of aquatic safety management services helps aquatic facility operators maintain and improve safe pool and waterfront operations and provides aquatic facility operators with the tools necessary to identify and reduce risks to clients.
The Lifesaving Society is recognized as a leader in developing standards for activities in, on and around water. Through its National Safety Standards Commission, the Society sets national aquatic environment standards and clarifies existing provincial/territorial regulations. In Canada, most provincial/territorial jurisdictions have regulations or guidelines for public aquatic facilities. These regulations or guidelines vary in the aquatic safety issues they address, and in their specifics. These regulations or guidelines may also be silent on topics deemed relevant by the Lifesaving Society.
Owners and operators of public swimming pools must fulfill the requirements detailed in regulations. Local health inspectors perform inspections of public pools and should be used as resources in answering questions and assisting owners and operators in meeting the regulations.
The Standards, Policies and Information Bulletins presented on this website are designed to provide guidance to public pool owners and operators on matters not addressed in regulation or guidelines in their own jurisdictions and assist aquatic staff in operating safe facilities.
safety audits & inspections
The objective of the Aquatic Safety Audit Program is to maximize the safety of aquatic facilities, thereby reducing the likelihood of aquatic-related injury and drowning, through safety evaluation and comprehensive audit services.
Owner/operators are encouraged to have an aquatic safety audit once every three to five years. An audit request must be initiated by the facility with full agreement and cooperation from all levels of staff and management.
Audit fees are based on the extent of the audit and the complexity of the facility to be determined upon review of the application and client consultation.
Waterfront Safety Signage
Lifesaving Society custom waterfront safety signage is designed to allow the public to quickly identify hazards in the area and avoid getting into trouble.
Our signs use text and symbols in formats that reflect today’s best practices in risk communication. Graphics used are in keeping with Parks Canada and ISO recommendations, assuring that the signage will be readily understood by all visitors. Utilizing the latest ISO symbols and OSHA/ANSI Z535 content requirements, these products provide clear information to viewers about the location’s hazards and how to avoid them.
Public Safety Liferings
The Public Access Lifering (PAL) Project initiative aims to install lifesaving equipment on unsupervised waterfronts, docks, and beaches accessible to the public.
After evaluating multiple Lifering housing models, the Lifesaving Society has concluded that the Guardian, manufactured by Glasdon in the UK, offers the best value. These units are known for their durability, user-friendly design, easy installation, and minimal maintenance requirements.
In addition to the Lifering housing unit, the PAL Project offers customized signage for each location, highlighting Lifering usage and unique cautionary warnings. Customized signage will allow the public to quickly identify hazards in the area and avoid getting into trouble. The graphics used are in keeping with Parks Canada and ISO recommendations to be readily understood by all visitors.
Facility Accreditation
The Lifesaving Society`s Aquatic Safety Accreditation program provides an objective, formal validation Affiliate’s ongoing commitment to the best practices in aquatic safety. The Lifesaving Society Facility Accreditation Program:
- Promotes proactive efforts focusing on improving aquatic safety policies, procedures, and practices.
- Ensures participating affiliates have confidence that their facilities are operating at or above the best industry standards.
- Promotes public awareness of the facility’s commitment to the health and wellbeing of the community.
Expert witness
As the recognized national authority on aquatic safety, lifesaving and lifeguarding, the Lifesaving Society is often asked to provide expertise for court cases and inquests. The Society responds to requests for an expert opinion in a strictly unbiased, non-partisan manner to further its humanitarian goal of reducing drowning and aquatic-related injury.
Examples of issues within the scope of Society expertise include:
- Safety standards/procedures
- Lifesaving standards/procedures
- Lifeguarding standards/procedures
- Rescue standards/procedures
- Instructional standards/procedures
Request an Audit
Maintaining safety in aquatic facilities is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring a secure environment for all users. If you’re seeking a professional assessment of your facility’s safety, requesting an Aquatic Safety Audit is the first step. Once you submit the request form, our team will review your application, assess your facility’s needs, and outline the next steps. A thorough safety audit helps identify risks and enhance preventive measures—thank you for prioritizing water safety in your community!
Request a Public Access Lifering
Ensuring public safety around bodies of water is essential, and having a Public Access Lifering (PAL) readily available can make a critical difference in an emergency. If you’re looking to install a PAL at a waterfront location, filling out the request form is the first step. Once submitted, your request will be reviewed to determine suitability and next steps, including installation and ongoing maintenance responsibilities. A well-placed lifering can help save lives—thank you for taking the initiative to improve water safety in your community!
Aquatic Safety Management Courses
Aquatic Safety Management training is designed to enhance safety in aquatic facilities and enhance professional development for aquatic staff.
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