Swimming Facilities

• NYS Sanitary Code - Swimming Pools, Bathing Beaches, and Recreational Aquatic Spray Grounds 
• Dutchess County Sanitary Code - Article 6 PUBLIC SWIMMING POOLS, BATHING BEACHES AND RECREATIONAL SPRAY GROUNDS
• HOA Exemption Guidelines

• Application for a Permit to Operate a Pool/Beach (.pdf) - For a permit to operate a swimming pool/bathing beach - including a checklist and workers’ compensation and disability insurance requirements.
  • Homeowner’s Associations that are exempt from having a lifeguard must comply with specific submission requirements when completing the permit application and the following safety plan statement and checklist.
• Bathing Facilities Reportable Injury and Illness Reporting Form (.pdf) - The reportable injuries and illnesses are listed here. You must use this reporting form when reporting illnesses and injuries to the department.
• Blue-Green Algae Bloom Response sheet for Beach Operators (.pdf) - Blooms of blue-green algae may be harmful to people and animals. Operators must monitor their beaches for any signs of blue-green algal blooms. The New York State Department of Health provides important information to bathing beach operators on blue-green algae response and ways to protect patrons from potentially harmful blue-green algae blooms. The Blue-Green Algae Bloom Response sheet for Beach Operators can assist operators in decision making.
• NYSDOH website Blue-Green Algae Bloom Response for Beach Operators and Staff (includes signs)
• Cyanuric Acid Information (.pdf) - The use of cyanuric acid in public swimming pools is prohibited in New York State. DBCH provides important information  about this chemical and how to determine whether a product contains cyanuric acid.
• Fact Sheet Fecal Incident Response for Pool - A copy of this fact sheet should be kept with your safety plan near the pool.
• Fact Sheet Vomit and Blood Contamination - A copy of this fact sheet should be kept with your safety plan near the pool.
• Safety Plan Statement Form (.pdf) - Once completed, will provide written confirmation that your previously approved safety plan accurately represents the staff training and emergency response procedures that will be implemented during the upcoming season. Any changes or additions to your safety plan must be submitted to this office in written form and receive approval.
  Below are links to pool and beach safety plan templates that you may use to develop or modify your safety plan.
  • Pool Safety Plan Template (.pdf)
  • Beach Safety Plan Template (.pdf)
• Swimming Pool and Bathing Beach Safety Plan Checklist (.pdf) 
  • You must use this to review your facility’s safety plan for the required content. Please check off each item on this sheet under the column labeled “facility operator use.” Once you have completed your plan review, you must sign the back of the form and return it to DBCH.
  • If you operate a Temporary Residence and you would like to operate a swimming pool or bathing beach, you must complete the Written Notification for Supervision form. This form is not required if you have previously submitted it and do not plan to change your supervision level that you already selected. 

New York State only accepts the certifications listed below.

Please check this list of acceptable certifications before a class is taken or before your staff is hired. These "Fact Sheets" (certifications) are updated annually.

• Camp Aquatics Director Information (.pdf)
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Information (.pdf)
• Learn to Swim Information (.pdf)
• Lifeguard/Aquatic Certification (.pdf)
• Progressive Swimming Instructor Information (.pdf)
• Swimming Pool Operator Information (.pdf)

Certifications can be obtained from other providers. Check the fact sheets above.

• American Red Cross
• American Heart Association
• Ellis and Associates 
• American Safety & Health Institute
• American Lifeguard Association

Certifications must be maintained at your pool/ beach for review during routine inspections.

Fully online first aid and CPR courses are NOT acceptable.

DBCH offers an awareness-heightening presentation on drowning victim recognition. This seminar will be given by Department of Health staff upon receipt of your request. To arrange for a training session, please call the district office that covers your facility.