Lifejacket Requirements
Ontario Public Pool Regulations Affecting Wild Waterworks
Regulations under the Health Protection and Promotion act affecting public pools have been put into place by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. As operators of Wild Waterworks, we must abide by the legislation.
As an operator we must follow the regulation which states the following:
- That every owner and every operator of a Class A pool shall ensure that there is a process in place to ensure a guardian or designated person supervises children 10 years of age and under. The process must include a swimming competency test and a method of communicating the requirements of the process O. Reg 494/17, s.13(10) 565
There isn’t an opportunity to determine swimming competency in a wave pool environment. Therefore, anyone 10 years of age and under must wear a lifejacket/PFD in the Wave Action Pool and the Eazy River.
For supervision of those 10 years of age and under, the guardian or designated person 16 years of age or older must be within Arm’s Reach at all times while in the water and the following ratios must be adhered to.
| Age Range | Guardian to Child Ratio with Lifejackets |
|---|---|
| 0-5 years | Two children to one guardian (2:1) 16 years of age or older |
| 6-10 years | Eight children to one guardian (2:1) 16 years of age or older |
Wild Waterworks provides lifejackets/PFDs on a first come, first served basis, free of charge for patrons. They are located on racks at the entrance of the Wave Action Pool and Eazy River. Staff are available to assist with sizing and questions. Wild Waterworks allows patrons to bring in their own approved lifejackets/PFDs for use in the Wave Action Pool and Eazy River as supplies are limited.
Lifejacket/PFDs must be approved by: Transport Canada, Oceans and Fisheries Canada, Canadian Coast Guard and USA Coast Guard Type I, II or III.
Approved Life Jackets & PFDs
