Safety optimization in an accident-prone aquatic context: A qualitative study of drowning risk detection by public pool lifeguards.

Introduction: Drownings occur in French public swimming pools (PCP) in spite ofconstant supervision by qualified lifeguards. This studyhypothesizesthat organizational aspects may affect the mission of pool supervision andtakes a systemic approach that views safety as an emergent property, and drowning as a multifactorial and long-term process that is not restricted to the end of an accidental sequence.

Method: We conducted a qualitative survey at four municipal poolsin France based on 30 semi-structured interviews.

Quantification of degraded supervision of bathing in 108 French public swimming pools.

To prevent drowning incidents in French public swimming pools (PSP), bathing must be constantly supervised by qualified lifeguards. However, fatal drownings regularly occurs in supervised aquatic facilities, calling into question the efficacy of the supervision chain. The aim of this research is to fully assess the periods during which supervision is not carried out, or carried out in an inadequate manner.

Constant supervision of bathing in French public swimming pools: an unrealistic regulatory requirement?

In France, to prevent drowning accidents in public swimming pools (PSPs), bathing must be constantly supervised by qualified staff. However, fatal drowning regularly occurs in supervised aquatic facilities. A review of the literature shows that human supervision is a complex task.