Whole Health

Swimming Pools and Bathing Beaches

The Environmental Health Division conducts safety inspections and enforces permit requirements for NYS regulated pools and bathing beaches.

Fact Sheets

First Aid Certifications(PDF, 44KB) for NYS Children’s Camp Staff (2024)
The SSC Subpart 7-2 requires the health director, other staff specified in section 7-2.8, and certain camp trip and activity leaders to possess valid certification in first aid. The courses listed on this factsheet have been accepted by the Department as being equivalent to or exceeding first aid course standards specified in Section 7-2.2(m).

Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)(PDF, 33KB) Certification for NYS Bathing Facilities (2024)
The SSC requires certain staff to possess a valid two-rescuer CPR certification in a course accepted by the Department as providing an adequate level of training and certification in the use of an AED as specified on this factsheet.

Level III and IV Aquatic Supervision Staff(PDF, 23KB) CPR Certifications for NYS Bathing Facilities (2024)
Level III and IV Aquatic Supervisory Staff are required to possess an American Red Cross (ARC) CPR or equivalent (except when staff is employed at bathing facilities that are part of a temporary residence or campground). As a result of changes in ARC's curriculum, the code standard "Community CPR" is no longer taught. Acceptable certification equivalents are listed on this factsheet.

Lifeguard Factsheet(PDF, 86KB) (Aquatic Certifications) for NYS Bathing Facilities (2024)
Standards for aquatic/lifeguard certifications are contained in SSC Subpart 6-1, Section 6-1.31, Swimming Pools; Subpart 6-2, Section 6-2.20, Bathing Beaches; and Subpart 7-2, Section 7-2.5(g), Children's Camps. When the SSC requires "lifeguard supervision" or a "qualified lifeguard" at a bathing facility, an approved lifeguard certification SPECIFIC to the type of bathing facility is required.

Supervision Level III Aquatic Staff Certification(PDF, 26KB) Required for Instructional Activities (2024)
The SSC requires Supervision Level III staff to possess aquatic injury prevention and emergency response certification when assisting required lifeguards (Supervision Level IIa) during instructional activities, in accordance with Section 6-1.23(a)(6) of Subpart 6-1 of the SSC. Instructional activities include, but are not limited to, learn-to-swim programs, physical education classes and swim team practices. One Supervision Level III staff must be provided for each required lifeguard engaged in instructional activities.

Swimming Pool Operators(PDF, 18KB) Water Treatment Courses and Certifications (2024)
For Operation of NYS Swimming Pools and Recreational Aquatic Spray Grounds
A qualified swimming pool water treatment operator is required to maintain pools larger than 3,000 square feet in surface area, or pools disinfected using gas chlorine and all recreational aquatic spray ground facilities.

American Red Cross (ARC) Certificates & CEUs (Reviewed 2024)
Digital certificates, certification courses, and info about continuing education credits are available on the American Red Cross Certificates and CEUs page.

These Fact Sheets Are Also Available on the NYSDOH Website
If you have any questions regarding these Fact Sheets, please call Environmental Health at (607) 274-6688 or send an email message.