Pool hygiene and lifeguard training need to be reinforced to ensure safety in Ireland's swimming pools, Irish Water Safety (IWS) has warned in a guidelines document launched today.
The guidelines, published by IWS and the Institute of Leisure and Amenity Management (ILAM), emphasised the requirement for lifeguards to have ongoing training, and foundation First Aid awareness.
Reference to the causes of cryptosporidium, the virus that has infected Co Galway water, and emergency procedures to contain possible outbreaks of the bacteria were also featured in the 57-page document.
Launching the guidelines this afternoon, Minister for the Environment Dick Roche TD cautioned against letting standards slip.
He said that although Ireland's record in swimming pool safety is among the best in Europe, "we cannot afford to be complacent as sadly on average one person is lost to drowning every 2 years in our swimming pools.
"I hope that with the full implementation of these guidelines by owners and operators that this tragic loss of life can be eliminated," he added.
Parental supervision for children under eight years old was also advised in the document.
Chairman of IWS, Frank Nolan said that the guidelines, which are for swimming pools and leisure centres, "should and will become the accepted standards for swimming pools throughout the country.
The last time pool safety guidelines were published was over 20 years ago in 1986.