NDP Caucus

Sask. Party deregulates lifeguarding, public pools

Posted: July 12, 2012 | E-mail this to a friend | Print view

The Sask. Party government has taken a major swipe at the health and safety regulations that govern public pools. Among the sweeping changes, each public pool in Saskatchewan is now on its own to decide what training or qualifications a lifeguard requires.

Stakeholders were informed today that much of the former standards set by The Swimming Pool Regulations have been replaced by the Sask. Party government with a mere expectation that pool operators develop their own “swimming pool safety plan.”

“This is a huge step backwards and a sad example of ideology defeating common sense,” said Cam Broten, NDP health critic. “Whether it’s families flocking to pools in the summer to cool off or indoor swimming for fun or for sport – the Sask. Party’s Health Ministry should be vigilant in promoting public health and safety, not putting it at risk.”

In addition to the deregulation of lifeguards and supervisors, the new regulations passed by the Sask. Party also remove the standards for the swimmer-to-lifeguard ratios and double the term of pool licenses to two years from one.

“There is no more important consideration than the health and safety of children,” said Broten. “There is no excuse for this risky decision.”

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