Virginia Law

A. Access to the water in aboveground swimming pools shall be prevented by locking and securing the ladder in place or storing the ladder in a place inaccessible to children.

B. A nonclimbable barrier at least four feet high such as, but not limited to, a fence or impenetrable hedge shall surround outdoor play areas located within 30 feet of drowning hazards such as, but not limited to, inground swimming or wading pools, ponds, or fountains not enclosed by safety fences.

C. Portable wading pools without integral filter systems shall:

1. Be emptied after use by each group of children, rinsed, and filled with clean water, or more frequently as necessary; and

2. When not in use during the vendor's hours of operation, be emptied, sanitized, and stored in a position to keep them clean and dry.

D. Portable wading pools shall not be used by children who are not toilet trained.

E. Hot tubs, spas, and whirlpools shall:

1. Not be used by children in care, and

2. Covered with safety covers while children are in care.

F. The level of supervision by caregivers required and the point system as outlined in 8VAC20-790-300 shall be maintained while the children are participating in swimming or wading activities.

G. Caregivers shall have a system for accounting for all children in the water.

H. Outdoor swimming activities shall occur only during daylight hours.

I. When one or more children are in water that is more than two feet deep in a pool, lake, or other swimming area on or off the premises of the family day home:

1. A minimum of least two caregivers shall be present and able to supervise the children; and

2. An individual currently certified in basic water rescue, community water safety, water safety instruction, or lifeguarding shall be on duty supervising the children participating in swimming or wading activities at all times.