Ohio Admin. Code 901:9-1-18 - Safety standards for the lazy river

(A) Height requirements for all patrons shall comply with manufacturer recommendations or be six inches above static water level. For depths exceeding forty-eight inches, a lifeguard shall be in attendance at all times and coverage shall be such that the entire lazy river is under direct observation by lifeguards, with no area more than two hundred feet from the responsible lifeguard. The use of life jackets for patrons should be strongly encouraged. In the event a patron is under the height requirement, they must either be accompanied by an adult or pass a swimming test. For water depths of forty-eight inches or less, either an attendant or a lifeguard shall be in attendance at all times and coverage shall be such that the entire lazy river is under direct observation by lifeguards or attendants, with no area more than two hundred feet from the responsible lifeguard or attendant.

(B) The use of life jackets should be strongly encouraged for patrons who do not meet the above stated height requirement.

(C) Only flotation devices authorized by the waterpark shall be used in the lazy river. Personal flotation devices required for individuals with disabilities may be used only when authorized by the park management.

(D) Patrons must remain in the lazy river until they reach the designated exit. Patrons should not be permitted to climb in or climb out on the sides of the river.

(E) Patrons shall be protected from patron-on-surrounding-patron contact hazards that may exist along leading edges of the lazy river through use of fencing/acceptable barriers.

(F) Fencing/acceptable barriers shall be installed around the perimeter of the lazy river to prohibit unimpeded access to the trough by surrounding patrons.

(G) Perimeter fencing/acceptable barriers shall, at a minimum, consist of forty two inch tall posts with three horizontal cables that have sufficient height and density to discourage surrounding guest access from any non-designated entry points.

(H) Designated entry and exit access points shall be clearly posted.

(I) Leading edges of elevated walkways or bridges that cross over or run adjacent to the lazy river troughs must be guarded with fencing material that meets or exceeds the fencing standards utilized in the perimeter fencing requirements.

(J) Bridges over lazy rivers and elevated walkways adjacent to lazy rivers must be posted with signs indicating "shallow water - do not jump".

(K) Employee access gates in perimeter fencing must be secured with a latch and post a sign indicating authorized personnel only.

Notes

Ohio Admin. Code 901:9-1-18

Effective: 12/9/2021
Five Year Review (FYR) Dates: 9/23/2021 and 12/09/2026
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 993.04
Rule Amplifies: 993.04
Prior Effective Dates: 06/20/1988, 08/01/1993, 03/27/2009