California Code of Regulations (Cal. Code Reg.): Title 22 – Social Security  >   Cal. Code Reg. §65540. Safety and First Aid Equipment

(a) Except for spray grounds without standing water, the pool operator shall ensure that the following safety and first aid equipment is provided and maintained readily visible and available for use at the public pool at all times:

(1) A 17-inch-minimum (exterior diameter) life ring with an attached throw rope with a minimum 3/16-inch diameter. The throw rope shall be of sufficient length to span the maximum width of the public pool and shall be stored in such a way as to prevent kinking or fouling. When rescue without a life ring can be effected from the perimeter of a spa, the enforcing agent may exempt the spa from the requirements of this subdivision.

(2) A 12-foot-minimum fixed-length rescue pole with a permanently attached body hook. For spas, the enforcing agency may approve a shorter length based on the unique configuration of each spa. For spas, the length of the rescue pole shall be of sufficient length to effectuate rescue.

(b) For public pools with lifeguard personnel on duty, the pool operator of each public pool area shall have the following additional safety equipment:

(1) A Red Cross 10-Person Industrial First Aid Kit or the equivalent.

(2) An operating telephone.

(3) A backboard and head immobilizer.

(c) For public pools that exceed 75 feet in length or 50 feet in width, the pool operator shall provide a rescue pole and a life ring on at least two opposing sides of the public pool at centralized locations.

(d) When, in the opinion of the enforcing agent, any public pool is of such size that unaided swimming by lifeguards performing rescue may not offer sufficient protection to pool users, the pool operator shall provide one or more paddle boards or square-sterned boats equipped with oars, oarlocks and life rings as ordered by the enforcing agent.