In 2022, more than 3900 campsites were equipped with a swimming pool, i.e. almost half of the campsites in France.
Swimming pools on campsites are considered as "private swimming pools for collective use", as are those in hotels, villages and holiday homes.
Any campsite swimming pool with a large number of visitors must comply with strict safety regulations. Since September 2004, a number of safety measures are mandatory.
Lifeguard or not?
Unlike paid pools, campsite swimming pools are not required to be supervised by a lifeguard.
In this case, the campsite must inform the user that the pool is not supervised.
Campsites are nevertheless obliged to provide supervision by a lifeguard when teaching aquatic activities (swimming lessons, aquagym, etc.).
However, it is strongly recommended that supervision be provided for the use of the pool, even if the exclusive activity is swimming.
Mandatory safety equipment in the campsite's water area
Like private pools for family use, campsite pools must be equipped with at least one of four safety devices to prevent the risk of drowning:
Pool fences
Most campsites have chosen to fence off their swimming pool or water park with a protective barrier to prevent access to children, teenagers and adults who would like to enjoy the pool outside the opening and supervision hours.
The latter is primarily designed to prevent the passage of children under five years of age. It must be at least 1.10 m high, fixed between two support points and equipped with a gate.
Swimming pool enclosures
A pool enclosure must be fully enclosed: when closed, its role is to completely block access to the pool for children.
You will find many indoor or outdoor swimming pools on campsites that offer these safety guarantees, as well as a way to enjoy the pool even in the low season, especially when the pool is heated.
Some campsites even house their campsites under a sometimes spectacular dome, such as Camping des Ormes Domaine & Resort.
The covers
The pool cover is intended to completely enclose the pool and prevent accidental immersion of small children. They are usually strong enough to withstand the weight of an adult.
If you have a private hot tub on your pitch or outside your rental property, it should have a cover to prevent access.
The pool alarm
A pool alarm is installed to detect the slightest crossing by a child under 6 kg and, if necessary, trigger a siren to prevent drowning.
There are two types of alarms for a communal pool: those placed on the surface of the water (immersion detectors) and those located around the pool (perimeter alarms).
Other safety standards to be applied
Private swimming pools for collective use must also comply with specific safety requirements, for example
- The flooring in the barefoot area should be safe. For example, they should be non-slip and non-abrasive.
- Wading pools for children may not exceed 0.40 metres in depth.
- Any waterslide with a height of 2 metres or more must have a waiting area with handrails. The staircase must allow only one person to pass at a time.
- Any platform or diving board higher than 1 metre is prohibited.
- The bottom of a pond must always be visible, otherwise it must be drained immediately.
- Surface skimmers and water inlets shall be sufficient in number and designed in such a way as not to present a danger to bathers.
- All hydraulic installations (water inlets, gutters, artificial wave generators, etc.) must be equipped with an emergency stop system
Safety information to be displayed (non-exhaustive list):
- The minimum and maximum depths of each pool must be displayed and readable from the beaches and pools.
- Extract from the establishment's internal regulations relating to the hours and conditions of use of the pool(s), in particular the maximum number of bathers authorised in the aquatic area.
- Location of rescue and relief equipment.
- Safety precautions for all materials provided, in a visible, legible and easily understandable manner.
- Alarm procedures and emergency numbers posted near the pool.
Water quality of swimming pools and spas
The water in swimming pools and spas is subject to control by the Regional Health Agency (ARS). This control focuses in particular on the quality of the water in the various pools, in order to ensure that there is no health risk for pool users. The decree of 26 May 2021 reinforces the analyses, monitoring measures and controls to be carried out.
As regards water play areas, intended for children, the quality of the water must comply with the same rules as those for swimming pools. However, with regard to water renewal and filtration speed, the ARS stipulates that all the water used in the area must be filtered within 30 minutes.
Drowning in swimming pools: the figures
During the summer of 2021, 1,480 accidental drownings were recorded, 26% of which occurred in swimming pools (source: Ipsos / Epidemiological surveillance of drownings - Results of the NOYADES 2021 survey). While the majority of swimming pool accidents take place in private pools for family use, almost a quarter of them take place in private pools for collective use, such as those in campsites or hotels.
The context of high temperatures, such as the heatwave that France experienced in July 2022, may explain the increase in risks and drowning cases encountered.
Even though "only" 25% of drownings are fatal, every effort should be made to prevent them.
A child can drown in 20 cm of water
The majority of these accidents involve children under the age of 12, especially the youngest: 22% of accidental drownings involve children under the age of 6. Often, it is because they escape their parents' vigilance.
Let's not forget that for children under 6 years of age, although safety systems, alarms or buoys and armbands are essential, they will never replace the presence of an adult responsible for the child during swimming time.
In 2020, the Samu de Vendée launched a communication campaign dedicated to monitoring children with a hashtag: #NeLesQuittezPasDesYeux (keep an eye on them).
Don't hesitate to take children out of the water at the first sign of fatigue.