MORRIS COUNTY SWIM CLUB

SAFETY PLAN

Prevention

Any swimmer or coach that sees a safety or potential safety problem is obligated to notify the lifeguard.  This includes spills, breakage, repairs, etc.  Please note that this also includes any problems or potential problems in the locker rooms as well as on the pool deck.

Any injury that is obtained at the pool facility should be brought to the attention of the head coach.  This includes falls, slips, cuts, etc.  The appropriate injury report will be filled out by the respective coach and submitted for file or action to the Board of Directors.

Emergency drills and/or fire drills will be conducted at least twice per swim season with the coordination of the facility.

Anytime that the lifeguard blows the whistle three (3) consecutive times, the pool must be evacuated immediately, and swimmers will take a seat on the benches along-side the wall. 

In the event of a fire or other significant event that requires the evacuation of the building, coaches will advise swimmers which exit is safest to use.  There are three potential exits at the current facility:  one at the end by the diving blocks, one by the pool office, and one through the locker rooms.  The head coach will advise which exit will be used.  Level 4 and 5 swimmers may assist with aiding the 8 and under swimmers out of the pool and/or building. Evacuees are to meet on the outfield grass on the new softball field to verify everyone is accounted for.

The head coach will work in conjunction with the lifeguard on duty when declaring an emergency.  In the absence of the head coach, any coach may assist the lifeguard.

Listed below are scenarios that require prudent action as a matter of safety.

A facility emergency:

• The head coach and/or lifeguard may declare a building emergency;
• After assessing the situation, the following steps must be taken:
1. Clear the building, if necessary.
2. Call 911 to report emergency, if necessary.
3. Notify school officials.
4. Complete emergency report.
5. Advise Board of Directors

A Weather Emergency

• Head coach and/or lifeguard may declare a weather emergency;
• Swimmers will be advised of a wait time or directed to locker rooms;
• If the weather emergency is declared at an event other than practice, spectators will be notified of situation via the microphone;
• Notify school officials of early closing or postponement.

A Chemical Emergency

• Building alarms will sound;
• Swimmers will evacuate the pool and leave through the safest exit, at the direction of the head coach or lifeguard;
• Building evacuation will be done through the school notification system;
• Confirmed problem may require 911 call or local emergency support services (fire and/or police will determine additional resources, if necessary);
• Head coach will complete Event Report and submit to Board of Directors.

A Fire Emergency

• Alarms will sound;
• 911 or Fire Department Notification;
• Pool area will be evacuated through the safest exit, at the direction of head coach and/or lifeguard;
• Spectator area will be evacuated through upper level exits;
• Elevators will automatically be taken out-of-service;
• Coaches to ensure locker room areas are vacant;
• Head coach to complete event report and submit to Board of Directors.

Emergency and/or First Aid

• Assess the situation.  If minor injury, attend with appropriate first aid.  If major injury, call 911 and follow directions of 911 Operator.
• Remain calm.  Keep patient stable, and follow medical instructions until assistance arrives;
• Coach complete first-aid report (if major) and submit to Board of Directors.

Drowning/Near Drowning

Distress

• Lifeguard clears the pool;
• Bystander calls 911, if necessary or directed;
• Lifeguard goes to aid of swimmer;
• Assists to safety;
• Administers first aid;
• Coach completes accident report and submits to Board of Directors.

Drowning

• Lifeguard clears pool;
• Instructs bystander to call 911;
• Rescues and tows victim;
• Administers CPR until EMS arrives;
• Coach completes accident report and submits to Board of Directors.

Potential Spinal Injury

• Lifeguard clears pool;
• Instructs bystander to call 911;
• Lifeguard enters pool to provide stabilization to victim;
• Lifeguard secures victim to backboard;
• Lifeguard removes victim from water;
• Monitors victim or proceeds with 911 instructions until EMS arrives;
• Coach completes accident report and submits to Board of Directors.

Emergency 911 Call

• Dial 911
• Read the following statement:

“There is an aquatic emergency at the Morristown Beard School on Whippany Road in Morristown.  Please come to the pool entrance on the Hanover Avenue side of the gymnasium building.  Someone will meet you at the pool entrance.  We believe there is a (identify) injury.”

·        Remain on phone until EMS arrives;

·        Complete report and submit to Board of Directors.