A new guide document on swimming pool safety – which all UK pool operators will have to adhere to – has been unveiled during the CIMSPA Conference in Kenilworth, Warwickshire this week.

Published by The Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the document has been co-written with stakeholders from across the leisure industry, ensuring the sector’s "voice has been heard" in setting the new guidance.

HSG179, Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pools, is the fourth edition of the guidance and brings it up to date with changes in health and safety law and new developments in equipment and facilities.

Among the updates is a stronger focus on operators undertaking risk assessments for their pool management practices. The document offers support for that process, by providing advice on the role of a Lifeguard Zone Visibility Test.

There is also an enhanced section on the use of technology to aid observation of the pool.

The guide is available to download for free and can be accessed in a digital format by clicking here.

Among the leisure industry representatives to have taken part in devising the guide was the ukactive Standards and Legislation Committee – which includes 15 representatives from major operators across the physical activity sector.

ukactive CEO Steven Ward said: “ukactive invests a great deal in raising the value of the sector and pursuing breakthrough policy moments for its members – but protecting and supporting the core operations of our members matter just as much.

“We have supported our members to ensure that their voice was heard in the development of this guidance, and the final document reflects the needs of those operating facilities across the country.”