In the ever-evolving landscape of the hospitality industry, ensuring the safety of hotel guests is paramount. The 2025 Hotel Guest Swimming Risk Advisory Update is a key resource for risk professionals. It gives detailed rules to make hotel swimming pool facilities safer. This document is especially important given the ongoing concerns about drowning incidents, as highlighted by the WHO's 2024 report on drowning prevention. The report shows that drownings have gone down 38% worldwide since 2000. However, it also points out that there has been mixed progress in reducing drownings, especially in the West Pacific and South-East Asian regions. This underscores the need for robust safety measures in hotel pools, particularly in regions where laws for fencing around swimming pools are lacking.
Effective pool signage is a cornerstone of pool safety. The advisory recommends conducting a thorough risk assessment to determine the specific signage needs of the facility. This includes developing an aquatic signage policy and procedure that outlines the owner’s or operator’s position on signage design and development. Signs should be cleaned and inspected regularly, with maintenance or replacement conducted as needed. Essential signage includes primary access/entrance signs with key safety information; pool concourse signs with hazard warnings and pool-specific signs with depth markings, lifeguard supervision information and resuscitation instructions. Spa pools should have additional signage for depth markings and safety rules. Emergency signage, such as locations of emergency equipment, first aid stations and emergency stop buttons, is also crucial.
Lifeguards and pool attendants play a vital role in ensuring guest safety. The advisory requires them to have current skills in lifeguarding or poolside supervision. These skills must be recognized by a national organization that awards qualifications. Regular in-service training, including facility-specific sessions, is essential, with reassessment required every 12 months. Training should cover core knowledge and practical skills, such as CPR and AED training. Induction training is also crucial before they start operational duties, and site-specific knowledge and special skills training should be provided.
A well-developed Emergency Action Plan (EAP) is essential for effective emergency response. The EAP should address the responsibilities of all workers and cover responses to various emergencies, including medical incidents, serious injuries, drownings, water contamination, fire, bomb threats and natural disasters. Testing the EAP often with real drills is recommended to make sure all staff know their jobs and duties. An Emergency Planning Committee should oversee the plan’s development, implementation and improvement. At least one staff member should be good at managing and keeping the emergency plan. The facility should make sure that emergency service vehicles can get to the parts of the facility that are important. All emergency resources and safety equipment should be clearly identified, accessible and serviceable.
By following the recommendations in the 2025 Hotel Guest Swimming Risk Advisory Update, risk experts can greatly improve the safety of hotel swimming pool facilities. This not only protects guests but also improves the reputation and operational efficiency of the hotel. The advisory serves as a comprehensive guide, ensuring that all aspects of pool safety are addressed, from signage and lifeguard competencies to emergency planning. By prioritizing these safety measures, the hospitality industry can create safer and more enjoyable swimming environments for all guests.
Download the Risk Advisory document to learn more.
