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OBC DIVISION B · PART 3 · SECTION 3.11 — PUBLIC POOLS

What emergency and safety equipment must a public pool have in Ontario?

Public pools must be provided with life-saving equipment such as reaching poles and buoyant throwing aids with attached lines, an emergency telephone or equivalent means of summoning help, and first aid provisions, all located for immediate use at the pool.

Code reference
Section 3.11, together with Ontario's public pool health regulation, requires readily accessible emergency equipment at public pools, including reaching poles, buoyant throwing aids attached to lines, first aid supplies and a means of emergency communication such as a telephone at the pool, positioned so they can be used without delay in a rescue.
OBC Division B, Section 3.11 (Public Pools)

Paraphrased for clarity — open this provision in the BUILDAiD Library for the exact wording.

What this means in practice

Designers sometimes treat safety equipment as operator-supplied loose gear, but the emergency telephone and equipment stations have construction implications: conduit and mounting locations, wall space on the deck, and visibility from the water. Coordinate the OBC requirements with O. Reg. 565, which governs the operating side and lists equipment public health will check at inspection. Locate equipment where the required clear deck width is not obstructed. Class A pools with lifeguards also need supervision positions with clear sightlines, which affects deck geometry and glazing.

Plain language

Every public pool in Ontario must keep rescue gear right at the water: a long pole to reach a struggling swimmer, a ring or float on a rope to throw, a first aid kit, and a phone to call for help immediately.

Related questions

What counts as a public pool under the Ontario Building Code?What are the deck requirements for a public pool in Ontario?Where do water depth markings have to go on a public pool in Ontario?

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This page is provided for general information. Building code requirements depend on your specific project, occupancy and municipality, and code editions change. Always verify requirements against the current Ontario Building Code and confirm with your local building department.