Using our experience, our expert advisors, partners, and information from other organisations, we have created simple guidance to help answer some of the questions you or your colleagues may have about safety in swimming pools.

The guidance is not definitive, and if you need more support, please get in touch with us at 0300 323 0096 or email [email protected]

Guidance from other organisations that support the leisure industry


A list of the guidance documents available and clickable links
Guidance Statement 
Number and Name
Description Version, last updated and link to view 

GS001: 
Lifeguards - Mobile Phones and Smart Devices

Industry guidance for lifeguards using mobile phones and devices.

Version: 2
Last updated: May 2026
View or download the guidance

GS002: 
Ramadan and Fasting, Swimming Safety Considerations

Industry guidance regarding customers who are fasting during Ramadan.

Version: 1
Last updated: January 2020
View or download the guidance

GS003:
Administering Medication

Industry guidance for using medication during First Aid.

Version: 2
Last updated: May 2026
View or download the guidance

GS004:
Frequency of Ongoing Training for Lifeguards

Industry guidance regarding the frequency that lifeguards should receive training.

Version: 1
Last updated: March 2023
View or download the guidance

GS005:
Shallow Water Blackout, Hyperventilation, and Breath Holding
Industry guidance in the event of the loss of consciousness of a swimmer due to Shallow Water Blackout, Hyperventilation, and Breath-Holding

Version: 1
Last updated: January 2020
View or download the guidance

GS006: 
Do Not Resuscitate (DNR/ DNACPR / ADRT)

Industry guidance for using medication during First Aid.

Version: 1
Last updated: January 2020
View or download the guidance

GS007:
Lifeguarding and Ramadan Safety Considerations
Industry guidance for dealing with lifeguards that are fasting during Ramadan.

Version: 1
Last updated: January 2020
View or download the guidance

GS008:
Working as a Lifeguard with Epilepsy or Seizures
Guidance to support operators manage lifeguards who have epilepsy or suffer seizures.

Version: 1
Last updated: May 2024
View or download the guidance

GS009:
Lifeguards Working in Hot Weather (Outdoor Facilities)
Industry guidance for lifeguarding in hot weather conditions, especially outside. 

Version: 1
Last updated: March 2023
View or download the guidance

GS010:
Lifeguarding a Swimming Pool During Cold Water Swimming

Industry guidance to support operators offering cold water swimming in a swimming pool.

Version: 1
Last updated: May 2024
View or download the guidance

GS011: 
Technology in Swimming Pools 

Industry guidance regarding technology in swimming pools.

Version: 3
Last updated: January 2025
View or download the guidance

GSO12:
Swimming Pool Activities involving Extended Breath-Holding 

Industry guidance for pool operators to help manage activities that involve extended breath-holding.

Version 1:
Last updated: April 2025
View or download the guidance

GS013: 
Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT)

Guidance and instructions detailing how to conduct a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test (LZVT)

Version: 2
Last updated: August 2023
View or download the guidance

GS014: 
Lifeguard Uniform
Industry guidance regarding the uniform that lifeguards should wear on duty

Version: 2
Last updated: January 2026
View or download the guidance

GS015: 
Lifeguarding with a Stoma 
Industry guidance for lifeguarding with a Stoma

Version: 1
Last updated: October 2024
View or download the guidance

GS016: 
Pregnancy, Breastfeeding, and Lifeguarding at Work
Industry guidance regarding lifeguarding during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding

Version: 1
Last updated: February 2025
View or download the guidance

GS018: 
Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP) – Example Content List
Industry guidance regarding policies and procedures that may need inclusion in the Pool Safety Operating Procedures (PSOP).

Version: 1
Last updated: March 2023
View or download the guidance

Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools

Industry guidance to support the HSE publication ‘Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools’ 2018 edition.

Version: 1
Last updated:
View or download the guidance