Ontario Public Pool Regulations Update and Interpretation

As clubs may be aware, there are updates to the Ontario Public Pools Regulations in accordance with the provincial Health Protection and Promotion Act, which has been modernized, that will come into effect July 1, 2018. There have been some questions from clubs specifically in regards to changes to Section 17 (see below) and how it can effect competitive training across aquatic sports. Clubs must also recognize the jurisdiction of the owner of the facility, and that they have the ability to ask for requirements above and beyond the legislation. 

1. We have received confirmation from the Life Saving Society HERE that for the purposes of this regulation, current NCCP certification meets the requirement of “aquatic instructor certificate”. 
   
2. It is our understanding that pools are exempt from providing lifeguards when the conditions within the document are met, and when the certified coach is also a holder of either current NLS or Bronze Cross certification. 

We have been advised that theses clarifications will be provided to the facilities by the Ministry prior to July 1 in a supplemental package along with other updates to various parts of the document.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What about our non-certified or under age junior coaches? Can they still be on deck?

As of today, our understanding is that non certified and under age junior coaches can still be on deck as long as they are under the direct supervision of certified coaches, as has been the rule in the past. Swim Ontario has asked for clarification on this piece, but have not received a response as of yet. If this changes, we will inform all the club presidents and head coaches, and update this FAQ answer.

Our facility requires us to use their lifeguards even though our coaches have their lifeguarding certification, but the Lifesaving Society document says that it isn’t required?

There are some facilities or municipalities that have mandated in their own internal policies that go above and beyond the Ontario Public Pool Regulations and required that they must staff their own lifeguards at all times. This is at the prerogative of the facility/municipality and if they require their own lifeguards to be used in accordance with their rental agreements, you will be responsible to adhere to it.   

The Lifesaving Society document says ‘certifications are current for 24 months from the date of certification’ but don’t NCCP certifications run on a 5 year cycle?

The line in question is referring to the lifeguarding certification requirements. As long as your NCCP certification is in it’s 5 year cycle it is active, it is acceptable. If you do not complete your required amount of professional development points in the 5 year cycle, your certification becomes inactive and not in alignment with these regulations.

How can I show my NCCP certification to my facility?

Coaches can access their transcript and print it off from The Locker. Additionally, the “Returning Coach” tab on the Swim Ontario Coach Compliance list shows all of our certified, registered coaches. If your facility has any other questions regarding certification status, please have them contact Lindsay.

From Ontario Public Pools Regulations:

Subsection 17 (17) which is applicable to coach certification within aquatic sport clubs:

On July 1, 2018, subsection 17 (17) of the Regulation is revoked and the following substituted: (See: O. Reg. 494/17, s. 13 (6))

(17) The following applies for the purposes of subsection (16):

1. Every aquatic instructor and every coach shall be at least 16 years of age and be a holder of an aquatic instructor certificate that is dated not more than two years prior to the date on which he or she is acting as an aquatic instructor or coach.
   
2. Every aquatic instructor and every coach shall be a holder of either a lifeguard certificate or an assistant lifeguard certificate that is dated not more than two years prior to the date on which he or she is acting as an aquatic instructor or coach.
   
3. Where an aquatic instructor or coach does not hold a lifeguard certificate or an assistant lifeguard certificate that is dated not more than two years prior to the date on which he or she is acting as an aquatic instructor or coach, the operator shall ensure a lifeguard is on duty on the deck during the period when the pool is being used for aquatic instruction, practice, competition or display.
   
4. In the case of underwater aquatic instruction, the instructor certificate mentioned in paragraph 1 must be issued by,
   i. The National Association of Underwater Instructors,
   ii. The Professional Association of Diving Instructors, or
   iii. The Association of Canadian Underwater Councils.