There is specific guidance set out within The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) publication Managing Health and Safety in Swimming Pool (HSG179) in relation to diving from the poolside. RLSS UK recommends all involved with the delivery and award of our qualifications reviews this guidance along with their risk assessments prior to allowing diving to take place. 

Lifesaving and lifeguarding awards specify 'enter the water' rather than 'dive into the water' to enable candidates to use a safe and appropriate method of entry. 

Entering the water with a dive should only be permitted into water with a minimum depth of 1.5 metres and with a forward clearance of 7.6 metres. Entry should only be from a standing start. Where diving is restricted or prohibited at a training or assessment venue, notices at the venue must be complied with. This includes diving entries for lifeguards who must also abide by the regulations in force at their pool. 

Inexperienced divers are at greater risk when learning to dive. If diving is taught it must conform to the rules in force at the venue. It is recommended that when diving skills are being taught in this situation, there must be a minimum water depth of 1.8 metres. For both lifesaving and lifeguard training, only shallow dives, as identified in the relevant training manuals, must be taught. 

Trainers, Assessors and candidates must also be aware of the dangers of diving headfirst and jumping feet-first into shallow water. 

Ear damage may result from diving to depths greater than 1.5 metres. All candidates must be warned of this prior to training by Trainers and prior to assessments by Assessors. The following statement must be read to all candidates: 

“You need to be aware that there may be a risk of damage to your hearing by diving to depths greater than 1.5 metres. All dives are undertaken at your own risk”. 

Any candidate with a history of ear trouble should not be permitted to dive without previously consulting a medical practitioner.