Frequently Asked Questions about swimming pools

Q. How do I find out what rules and regulations are required for a Michigan public swimming pool?
A. Click on this link for the Michigan Public Swimming Pool Rules.

Q. My public pool does not have posted lifeguard certifications. Is this legal?
A. No. Rule 325.2198 requires valid and current evidence of successful completion of American Red Cross Lifeguarding or equivalent to be posted at the swimming pool when it is open for use.

Q. My local pool lifeguards are never watching the pool because they are paying more attention to the pool cash box or running the hot dog stand. What can I do?
A. If it is a Michigan Public Pool, contact Mr. Richard Sacks, P.E., Section Chief of the State of Michigan, Department of Environmental Quality, Environmental Health Section, Recreational Resources Program at +1-517-335-9214 about your concern.

Q. A kid drowned in our high school pool? How do I contact Communications Electronics.
A. Click here to e-mail Communications Electronics Inc. Emergency Operations Center, Water Safety Investigations.

Q. Any Michigan public swimming pool drowning deaths this year?
A. Yes. A Saginaw, Michigan high school student died on March 20, 2001. It was reported by WNEM TV5. The Water Safety Division of Communications Electronics, Emergency Operations Center requested documents under the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. Our request was received on May 10, 2001. When we did not receive our documents on a timely basis, we telephoned Dr. Wilson Smith - Principal of Saginaw High School at +1-517-759-3577. We received most of the overdue information by mail the next day May 24, 2001 with an additional document mailed by Caroline Ferrell the next day. According to the School District of the City of Saginaw, they can not provide "one copy of the front and back side of the certificate indicating valid and current evidence of successful completion of a recognized course of instruction in adult, child, and infant cardiopulmonary resuscitation with training in 2-person and resuscitation barriers of the type offered by the American Red Cross, the American Heart Association or the National Safety Council for all staff and/or faculty on duty as a lifeguard on the day of the Benjamin Henderson drowning death at Saginaw High School as requiried by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) administrative rule 325.2198(3b). In addition, this public swimming pool does not have a copy of "the pool contingency and emergency response plan" as required by MDEQ administrative rule 325.2194a(1).

Q. Can my dog swim with me in my public pool?
A. Many dogs can swim quite well. I do not however recommend subjecting your dog to the chlorine in the pool. In addition, Michigan Public Swimming Pool Rule, 325.2192(11) states, "a pet or other animal, execpt for a trained dog guide accompanying a person with a disability, shall not be permitted in a swimming pool enclosure. A dog guide shall not be permitted in a pool." Dog or human poop in your pool can quickly make it unsanitary for human swimming.