Guidance For Pool Side Rescue Diver Role
Guidance updated: 31st March 2025 – Matt Newbound, Sheffield Scuba Diving Officer
Everyone Active, the management company for Ponds Forge, are providing a Lifeguard free of charge with each session. The Lifeguard’s role is to manage site-based activities such as radios, follow on first aid and evacuations.
We as a club must also provide pool side support. The Sheffield Scuba Rescue Diver is responsible for rescuing one of our pool users who would either be Scuba Diving or Snorkelling.
BSAC define this role here: https://www.bsac.com/safety/pool-safety-officers-guidelines/, specifically in the Rescue divers and Rescue divers to pool users’ ratios sections.
In summary, the Rescue Diver should be in readiness to enter the water at any time during the session. This would entail having quick access to basic snorkelling gear and wearing suitable swimming gear while on duty. As “basic snorkelling gear” is not clearly defined, a mask would be the minimum required here, with Fins and a Snorkel being extra. The person should also be in swim gear ready to jump in.
Note: Previously our responsibility was to also cover the Ponds Forge steps too. However, this changed in January 2025 with Everyone Active taking responsibility and providing the lifeguard.
Because of this we no longer need to attend Ponds Forge training and we must just follow the BSAC guidelines at the link above.