5101:2-14-37 Swimming and water safety requirements for professional certification as a type B home provider or in-home aide.

(A) A certified type B home provider with a swimming pool located on the premises shall make the pool inaccessible to children who are in care, by a fence or other physical barrier that prevents children from accessing the water. Providers with a swimming pool on the premises shall not allow use of the pool by children who are in care, except for wading pools under two feet in depth. Wading pools shall be filtered or emptied daily, and portable wading pools shall be disinfected daily or more often if needed. The provider shall supervise children at all times while a wading pool is in use and shall be able to clearly see all parts of the wading area.

(B) The use of saunas, hot tubs, and spas by children who are in care at the type B home is prohibited, and these areas shall be inaccessible to them.

(C) Approved off-site swimming sites shall meet all state and local guidelines for environmental health inspections. Activities in pools two or more feet in depth shall be supervised by individuals who are currently certified as lifeguards or water safety instructors by the American Red Cross or an equivalent water safety program, as determined by the county department of job and family services (CDJFS). Swimming activities shall not be permitted in lakes, rivers, ponds, creeks, or other similar bodies of water.

(D) The type B home provider or in-home aide shall obtain written permission from the caretaker:

(1) Before the child is permitted to swim in water two or more feet in depth.

(2) Before infants and toddlers use wading pools.

(E) The written permission shall be valid for twelve months or until withdrawn by caretaker. The written permission shall be signed and dated by the caretaker, be on file for review and shall include all of the following:

(1) The child's name and date of birth.

(2) A statement indicating whether the child is a swimmer or a non-swimmer.

(3) The location of any approved off-site swimming site.

(4) The date or dates that swimming will occur.

(5) A statement that the caretaker grants permission for the child to participate.

(F) The provider shall always accompany and closely supervise children for all approved water activities.

Effective: 08/14/2008
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 11/30/2007 and 03/31/2013
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 5104.011
Rule Amplifies: 5104.11, 5104.12
Prior Effective Dates: 10/15/96, 10/1/97 (Emer.), 12/30/97, 4/1/03