Section 260. Drowning hazards

A. Access to the water in aboveground swimming pools shall be prevented by locking and securing the ladder in place or storing the ladder in a place inaccessible to children.

B. A nonclimbable barrier at least four feet high such as, but not limited to, a fence or impenetrable hedge shall surround outdoor play areas located within 30 feet of drowning hazards such as, but not limited to, inground swimming or wading pools, ponds, or fountains not enclosed by safety fences. Facilities licensed prior to July 1, 2010, must comply fully with the requirement of this subsection by July 1, 2011.

C. Portable wading pools without integral filter systems shall:

1. Be emptied after use by each group of children, rinsed, and filled with clean water, or more frequently as necessary; and

2. When not in use during the family day home's hours of operation, be emptied, sanitized, and stored in a position to keep them clean and dry.

D. Portable wading pools shall not be used by children who are not potty trained.

E. Bathtubs, buckets, and other containers of liquid accessible to children shall be emptied immediately after use.

F. Hot tubs, spas, and whirlpools shall:

1. Not be used by children in care, and

2. Covered with safety covers while children are in care.

Historical Notes

Derived from Volume 26, Issue 07, eff. July 1, 2010.

Statutory Authority

§§ 63.2-217, 63.2-1701, and 63.2-1734 of the Code of Virginia.