In July 2021, the Government of Quebec updated the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation. This regulation aims to make access to all pools safer and reduce the risk of diving accidents.
If you own a private pool, it’s important to ensure your pool setup complies with current safety standards.

In addition, to prevent drownings, certain essential safety rules must always be followed while swimming. Read the five tips below to learn more.

1) Install a ladder or steps for safe pool entry and exit

According to the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation, a pool is defined as “an outdoor, artificial, permanent, or temporary basin intended for swimming, with a water depth of 60 cm (24 in.) or more.” Except for a few exceptions, this applies to inground, semi-inground, above-ground, and portable pools.

If you have an inground or semi-inground pool, it’s mandatory to install a ladder or steps to allow people to enter and exit safely. While not required for above-ground or portable pools, it is strongly recommended.
A pool that allows for easy exit is much safer—for both children and adults.

2) Follow safety standards for diving boards

Raynald Hawkins from the Lifesaving Society of Quebec emphasizes avoiding diving into residential pools, even inground ones. It is only safe if the pool is equipped with a diving board that complies with BNQ Standard 9461-100. Installing a diving board is prohibited if your pool does not meet the criteria of this standard.

According to BNQ 9461-100, your pool must meet minimum dimensions and depth requirements before a diving board can be installed. This standard aims to prevent cervical spinal cord injuries caused by diving accidents in residential pools, which can lead to quadriplegia.

Learn more about the standard for residential pools with diving boards

3) Control access to your pool to avoid unplanned swimming

As Hawkins explains, the risk of drowning increases significantly when someone—often a child—can access a pool without supervision. To prevent such accidents, it’s essential to properly control pool access.

This control is ensured through a fence that meets minimum height and spacing requirements. Note that a hedge does not replace a fence—children can easily pass through vegetation to reach the pool.

Also, if your above-ground pool is accessed by a ladder (rather than a platform or deck attached to your home), the ladder must have a self-closing safety gate.

Learn more about compliant pool fencing installation

4) Secure the area around the pool to protect swimmers

While the fence is key to controlling access, additional safety rules apply to the layout around your pool.

No objects should be placed in a way that allows someone to climb over the fence or access the pool. Keep equipment such as pool heaters or children’s play structures far enough away.
If a window from your home overlooks the pool area, it may need to be equipped with a window opening limiter.

Also, never leave toys floating in the pool. As Hawkins points out, “A toy can attract a child who tries to reach it to play, creating a drowning risk.”

Discover more safety tips from the Lifesaving Society

5) Maintain pool surroundings to ensure ongoing safety

As a pool owner, you are responsible for ensuring that all safety equipment and barriers remain in good condition. If repairs are needed, temporary safety measures must be put in place until the work is completed.

For example, if the latch on your gate is broken, use a padlock to restrict access until it’s repaired or replaced. By law, such repairs must be completed within a reasonable timeframe.

To ensure swimmer safety and prevent drownings, verify that your pool setup complies with both provincial and municipal regulations. Strict rules apply to fencing, diving boards, and pool layout. Ongoing maintenance and timely repairs are also essential for long-term safety.

See a summary of the main rules from the Residential Swimming Pool Safety Regulation