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Water Recreational Facilities
Public water recreation facilities are licensed to meet state standards and inspected by an Environmental Health specialist.
Services Available
- Plan reviews are done by Washington State Department of Health
for new construction, or existing remodels. If you are building a
new facility please contact DOH: http://www.doh.wa.gov/ehp/wr/
- Kittitas County Environmental Health provides consultation to pool operators is available.
- The Environmental Health Specialist also investigates all complaints and illnesses related to pools and spas that are reported to the department.
- Pool equipment is checked frequently at public pools and spas to ensure safety and efficient operating of a facility for the public.
- During an inspection chemical testing is used to evaluate water quality.
- Water monitoring and record keeping is reviewed, and facility maintenance is checked for safety and cleanliness.
- Educational materials are provided on latest rules and safety materials.
- Compliance and enforcement is scheduled and monitored if necessary.
Issues
Although drowning rates have slowly declined (Branche 1999), fatal drowning remains the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related
death for children ages 1 to 14 years (CDC 2005). Although some of these drowning cases did occur in their home, keeping public pools and spas
safe for everyone to use is important. Things like water clarity, pool access and barriers and ensuring safety equipment is up to code are all
things that keep pools and spas a safe and fun activity. See CDC's Water-Related Injuries fact sheet for more information.
Local Stats
- There are approximately 50 water recreational facilities in Kittitas County. This includes Swimming pools, spas,
wading and spray pools. Water Recreational places include but are not limited to city funded pools, apartment, condominiums
or home owners associations, hotel/motels, camp sites, or schools. This includes all places used by the public. Swimming pools
or spas at a single private residence are excluded from being permitted but should still exercise the same safety standards as
everyone else.
Get Involved
Internships may be available. Please contact the Environmental Health
Manager for more information at 509-962-7005
Resources & Links
12 Steps for Recreational Water Illnesses Prevention for Pool Staff (www.CDC.gov)
- Lead your staff.
- Develop partnerships.
- Educate pool staff.
- Educate swimmers and parents.
- Maintain water quality and equipment.
- Evaluate aquatic facility design.
- Institute disinfection guidelines.
- Evaluate hygiene facilities.
- Develop a bathroom break policy.
- Create a special policy for large groups of young children.
- Post and distribute health information.
- Develop an outbreak/emergency response plan.
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