Seán Canney (Galway East, Independent)
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293. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development if she will consider making it mandatory for all public swimming pools, including hotel pools, to have lifeguards during opening hours; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [37211/24]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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It is my understanding that under the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act, 2005, every employer is currently required to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that individuals at the place of work, including non employees, are not exposed to risks to their safety, health or welfare. Furthermore, it should be noted that the employment of lifeguards for pools in hotels and other premises is a matter for the operator of the swimming pool.

Notwithstanding this clear onus on the operator to ensure the safety of staff and visitors, Water Safety Ireland (WSI) - an agency under the aegis of my Department - in conjunction with Swim Ireland and Ireland Active, published the third edition of the Swimming Pool Safety Guidelines in 2021.

Ireland Active is the national association for the leisure, health and fitness sector, including operators of both private and publicly owned pools. Water Safety Ireland’s role is to train lifeguards to ensure that they meet national standards, and to provide education and information regarding water safety. WSI is not a statutory regulator.

The Swimming Pool Safety Guidelines describe the minimum requirements that a pool facility should possess in order to ensure that appropriate measures are in place to ensure a happy and safe experience for all in the water.