Staff

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Summer weather means that people of all ages are cooling down in pools, ponds, lakes, and streams. Swimming for recreation, relaxation, or exercise is a healthy activity, but swimming can also pose risks like injury, waterborne illness, and drowning. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein shared safe swimming tips and current public swimming pool requirements at a press conference. In terms of public swimming pool requirements, the popularity of private pool rental apps like Swimply that allow property owners to rent their indoor or outdoor pool or hot tub to the public by the hour has raised concerns among county health officials. Public swimming pool operators are required to comply with certain engineering, maintenance, hygiene and supervision standards. Engineering requirements are intended to ensure that provisions are in place to reduce the risk of injury. Lifeguard requirements, signage, and safety plans are in place to ensure adequate supervision. Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) public health sanitarians conduct rigorous engineering reviews of public swimming pools, issue permits when appropriate, and periodically inspect these facilities. Generally, a backyard swimming pool or indoor pool at a private residence would not meet public swimming pool standards. Improperly treated and disinfected pools can lead to disease transmission and chemical reactions. Also, if no restroom is available for the use by swimmers and guests, there are concerns for human waste to be left in or around the pool areas. Individuals who rent their private swimming pool to the public without a permit are violating state sanitary code and putting themselves at risk of penalties/fines. New York State allows penalties of up to $2,000 per violation. Complaints about swimming pools operating without a permit can be sent to the Erie County Department of Health Division of Environmental Health at (716) 961-6800. Property owners who would like more information about pursuing a public swimming pool permit can also call (716) 961-6800.

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