Section 2: Swimming establishments and aquatic activities

The supervision of bathing areas open to the public free of charge, which are equipped and authorised, must be carried out by staff holding a diploma, the awarding procedures for which are defined by joint order of the Minister of the Interior and the Minister for Sport.

The signposting equipment used for bathing areas open to the public free of charge, equipped and authorised, consists of: 1° A mast enabling the signs to be seen from any point in the bathing area; 2° Signs to be hoisted on this mast, namely: a) A red flag, rectangular in shape, at least 1,250 mm high and 1,500 mm long; when hoisted at the top of the mast, this sign…

Fee-paying bathing establishments are the physical activity and sports establishments mentioned in article L. 322-1 in which aquatic, bathing or swimming activities are practised or in which these activities form part of services offered in return for payment of an access fee, whether specific or not.

During public opening hours, only the following may supervise the establishments mentioned in article D. 322-12: 1° Holders of one of the qualifications whose awarding procedures are defined by order of the Minister for Sport. These staff hold the title of lifeguard; 2° Holders of the national aquatic safety and rescue certificate. Any person wishing to supervise such an establishment must make a declaration to the prefect of the location…

Each establishment draws up a surveillance and rescue organisation plan which sets out, depending on the configuration of the establishment mentioned in article D. 322-12: 1° The number of people responsible for ensuring supervision and the number of people responsible for assisting them ; 2° The number of people who may be admitted simultaneously to the bathing establishment with paid access to practise the activities in question. This number is…

All establishments referred to in article D. 322-12 must display, in a place visible to all, a reference to the diplomas and qualifications of the persons in charge of surveillance, as well as an extract from the surveillance and rescue organisation plan.

Swimming pools and bathing areas are subject to the provisions of Chapter II of Title III of Book III of Part One of the Public Health Code.