Guidelines for Safe Pool Operations
Setting the Standard for Aquatic Safety
Background
Under a variety of legal standards and frameworks, facility designers, owners and operators are charged with the responsibility of ensuring public and worker health and safety arising from the business and/or undertaking of aquatic facilities and their activities. For 30 years, Royal Life Saving has written the Guidelines for Safe Pool Operation (GSPO), which compiles and contextualises these standards and frameworks, making them easier to understand and apply to aquatic facilities.
The GSPO is the recognised national industry standard that describes and makes recommendations as to the appropriate minimum standards of safety that should be attached to the design, ownership and operations of aquatic facilities thereby providing a recognised standard of care in a particular area of design and/or operations.
Although published by Royal Life Saving, the GSPO represents the collective opinion of the aquatic industry across Australia, through an extensive and consultative development and review process undertaken by the National Aquatic Industry Committee (NAIC). As such, the GSPO is written and authorised for industry by industry - leveraging a formal network of collaborators both nationally and internationally.
All aquatic facility designers, owners and operators are strongly recommended to access and have an understanding of the GSPO in order to meet their obligations under the respective state and/or territory health and safety legislation.
Need Safety Advice?
Whether you manage an aquatic facility or oversee activities near inland waterways, safety is paramount. Our comprehensive safety assessments, designed for both aquatic facilities and inland water environments, evaluate risks, compliance with safety regulations, and operational practices. With tailored insights and expert recommendations, Royal Life Saving NSW helps you ensure that your facility or waterway is safe for users, minimising the risk of accidents and incidents.
Our assessments focus on identifying potential hazards, reviewing safety protocols, and providing actionable recommendations to improve safety outcomes. For aquatic facilities, we assess everything from lifeguard performance to pool equipment, while for inland waterways, we evaluate public access points, signage, and environmental risks. With decades of experience and industry-leading expertise, we support you in creating safer environments, no matter the water setting.
