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Legislation

Campus Swimming Pools

UNB Reference Number: 7838
Authorized by: James Downey, President,
Effective Date: July 27, 1984
Revised: February 1996
PDF version

PURPOSE: To outline provisions and procedures for obtaining assistance in case of a pool accident or emergency requiring medical attention.

SCOPE: All persons using campus swimming pools.

SERVICES: 1) Campus swimming pools are supervised by qualified* personnel at all times
when open for use. These personnel will enforce necessary rules in the prevention of accidents.
2) The Student Health Centre provides a health service for students and is designated as an emergency first aid centre for students injured on campus. However, it is recommended that any medical emergency involving students or employees be transported directly to the emergency room of the local hospital.
3) The Security Office will provide emergency transportation, when necessary, for persons who are immobilized as a result of injury or illness while on campus, or will make the necessary arrangements for ambulance pick-up.
4) Further information is located in the "UNB Aquatics Handbook".

* qualified personnel means persons currently certified as:
a) National Lifeguard Service lifeguards; or
b) Canadian Red Cross - Royal Life Saving Water Safety Instructors (II).

PROCEDURES: Follow an action plan for all potential accident emergency situations:

a) Primary response: one staff person (lifeguard or instructor) leaves his or her post and reaches the subject in distress immediately. Other persons assume assigned emergency duties.
b) Secondary response: the remaining persons assist the primary respondent, either by participating actively in the rescue, by readying necessary equipment, by beginning a follow-up plan of action, or by remaining at their assigned duties.
c) Assistance: Activate EMS (Emergency Medical System). Notify Security Office of situation.
d) Follow-up: supervise swimmers whether in or out of the water or in dressing rooms. Complete the accident report, including statements from witnesses.
e) Notification: inform appropriate persons in the organizational chain of responsibility of the incident.
f) Media Statement: a designated individual should release the official statement to the proper sources if this is necessary.
g) Analysis: study the incident and make any necessary modifications for future situations.

POOL REGULATIONS:

General Rules A pool is only as enjoyable as its patrons allow; regulations regarding admission and conduct must be observed for the safety and benefit of all. Instructors, lifeguards, and coaches are empowered to enforce all regulations.
a) Admission to the pool must be refused all persons having any contagious disease or infectious condition. Persons with abrasions, or unhealed wounds, band-aids, or bandages of any kind will not be admitted.
b) Swimming is permitted only under approved qualified supervision. (There must be qualified personnel on deck at all times).
c) All persons are required to take a shower before entering the pool.
d) All persons using the pool must wear suitable swim suits of acceptable material and design.
e) Personal conduct in the pool, showers and dressing rooms must be such that the health and safety of self and others is not jeopardized.
f) Diving Safety
• No swimming or cross pool diving in diving area when boards are in use.
• One person at a time on any diving stand.
• Dive only when area is clear.
• No board bounding or successive bouncing.
• Dive in line with board. When resurfacing swim to nearest side.
g) No unauthorized articles or equipment are permitted in the pool area.
h) No glass containers, food, drink, gum or tobacco are allowed in the pool area.
i) Street and play shoes are not to be worn on the pool deck.
j) The following whistle signals are in force and apply to everyone in the pool area:

SHORT blast ATTENTION announcements and minor infractions

3 LONG blasts CLEAR THE POOL IMMEDIATELY

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Scientific Diving

UNB Reference Number: 7841
Authorized by: E. Parr Johnston, President,
Effective Date: November 2001
PDF version

INTENT: To outline University policy on scientific diving (freshwater and marine).

SCOPE: All administrative heads of departments; directors of research, study projects or programs; instructors of field courses; and persons in charge of any other scientific or educational pursuit involving diving shall be responsible for ensuring that all persons engaged in diving are aware of and comply with this policy. This policy is not intended to address recreational diving, e.g., as with dive clubs.

POLICY:
a) It is the policy of the University of New Brunswick to promote safe scientific diving based upon the requirements of the New Brunswick Occupational Health and Safety Regulations; the CSA Standard "Occupational Safety Code for Diving Operations"; and any subsequent legislation on diving.

b) The UNB Diving Safety Committee reports to the University President and shall meet at least annually to review policy and procedures for diving operations. The Committee membership consists of the Assistant Vice-President of Financial & Administrative Services - Saint John; Manager of Security & Safety - Saint John; Captain of the University Research Vessel; Safety Coordinator - Fredericton; and supervisors of underwater research.

c) The "UNB Diving Safety Manual" was developed by the Diving Safety Committee as a guide to the regulations and UNB policy on scientific diving.

d) The University maintains standards for membership in the Canadian Association for Underwater Science (CAUS). The CAUS is a self regulating body dedicated to safety in underwater research through establishment and continual peer review of standards of practice for scientific diving.

e) All divers must be certified in SCUBA (Self-Contained Underwater Breathing Apparatus) diving by a recognized diver training agency, eg., Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI); National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI); American Canadian Underwater Certification (ACUC) or others. Certification must be appropriate to the level of diving which is performed. All divers must successfully complete the Divers Alert Network (DAN) Oxygen Course

f) All divers must pass a comprehensive medical examination every two years (Form A in the Manual).

g) In addition to meeting the requirements of paragraphs (e) and (f), all visiting divers shall sign a release form prior to diving (Form B in the Manual).

h) The Diving Safety Officer is appointed by the Diving Safety Committee and is responsible for notifying the Committee as soon as possible after the occurrence of any incident or accident involving the health and safety of divers. A UNB Accident Report Form shall be completed within 24 hours of the occurrence.

For copies of the UNB Diving Safety Manual, the N.B. OHS Regulations, or any other information regarding scientific diving, contact the Safety Office.

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Boating Safety

UNB Reference Number: 7842
Authorized by: E. Parr Johnston, President,
Effective Date: November 2001
PDF version

INTENT: To outline University policy on boating safety.

SCOPE: All persons (faculty, staff, students and visiting scientists) who operate small boats, i.e. under 15 tons gross weight, owned by the University. This policy does not apply to registered marine vessels, such as the University research vessel.

REGULATIONS:

1) Enforcement: The operation of small University owned boats is regulated as "commercial" boating under the Canada Shipping Act, Small Vessel Regulations, and is enforced by Transport Canada. (The operation of "pleasure craft" by members of the public is regulated by the Canadian Coast Guard and local law enforcement agencies.) Individuals who operate boats are responsible for equipping and operating boats safely and for ensuring the safety of all those onboard.

2) Powered Boats: All individuals who operate power driven boats will be required to obtain an "Operator Competency Card" by the following dates:
• Power driven boats or watercraft under 4 metres in length - by September 15, 2002.
• Power driven boats 4 metres in length or greater - by September 15, 2009.
Operator cards are valid for the life of the owner. Training courses are offered periodically by the Canadian Coast Guard and local Canadian Power & Sail Squadrons.

3) Non-Powered Boats: Individuals who operate non-powered boats less than 2 metres in length are not required to obtain Operator Competency Cards.

4) Safety Equipment: Individuals who operate power driven or non-powered boats must carry the minimum required safety equipment and observe all safety precautions as specified in the Canadian Coast Guard "Safe Boating Guide" or Part V of the Small Vessel Regulations. University boats, as commercial vessels, are required to carry "standard life jackets" for each person on board. The use of Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) does not meet the requirements.

5) Licensing: All boats, 15 tons gross weight or less, which are equipped with a motor 7.5 kW (10 HP) or greater are required to be "licensed" through the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency.

6) Penalties: Individuals who operate boats and who fail to comply with the Regulations (for eg., not carrying required safety equipment) may be individually liable on summary conviction to a fine of $250.00. Any individual who operates a boat in a dangerous manner, while impaired, or who operates an unseaworthy boat, may be subject to prosecution under the Criminal Code of Canada.

POLICY: Deans, directors and administrative heads shall develop written departmental procedures to ensure:
i) Powered boats are licensed;
ii) All persons required to do so possess Operator Competency Cards; and
iii) All University owned boats carry the "minimum required safety equipment" .

For more information on boating safety, contact the UNB Safety Office or refer to the web site for the Marine Safety Office of Transport Canada at www.tc.gc.ca/Actsregs/marine

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