HSE Statement on paddling pools

HSE Press Release: E005:05 - 6 January 2005

Following recent press coverage on health and safety issues relating to paddling pools
run by local authorities, Justin McCracken, Deputy Director General of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said:

“What all pool operators must do is weigh up the risks and provide precautions which match the level of risk they have identified, and they have had to do this by law for 30 years. Each situation has to be assessed on its own merits and, for paddling pools, issues such as the size, depth and usage of the pool will determine what measures are appropriate.

“Sensible health and safety is about managing risks, not eliminating them all. HSE is not in the business of stamping out simple pleasures wherever they appear and at whatever cost. We recognise the benefits to children's development of play, which necessarily involves some risk, and this shouldn't be sacrificed in the pursuit of the unachievable goal of absolute safety.

“We intend to write to local authorities to clarify the situation.”

Internal HSE guidance includes the following advice for Inspectors:

“A paddling pool, even if shallow, involves a low but irremovable risk of drowning (even with parental supervision) but this is normally tolerable. The likelihood is typically extremely low, the hazard is readily apparent, children benefit through their enjoyment and through the learning experience of water play and finally, further reduction or management of risk is not practicable without taking away the benefits.” Source: SIM 05/2002/15 Managing Risk in Play Provision, available on the HSE website at http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/sectors/cactus/5_02_15.pdf [57kb]

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