Decreto 99/2024 requires pools to have a lifeguard throughout opening hours, and exempts owners' communities of up to 30 homes (art. 24.4). In other words: if your community has 31 homes or more, it needs a lifeguard.
Lifeguards by water surface
How many lifeguards?
It depends on the water surface area (art. 24.1):
| Water surface | Minimum lifeguards |
|---|---|
| Up to 500 m² | 1 |
| 501 to 1,000 m² | 2 |
| Over 1,000 m² | 2, plus one more for every additional 1,000 m² |
More staff are needed if not every pool can be seen from one post, or if there are pools with attractions: the aim is complete supervision of all pools and their users (arts. 24.2 and 24.3). Most community pools are under 500 m², so one lifeguard meets the requirement.
Who is exempt
- Owners' communities of up to 30 homes and other type 3A pools.
- Facilities with only hydromassage or contrast pools of up to 500 m² and 1.4 m deep.
- Therapeutic pools.
- Pools used exclusively for sport by high-level swimmers.
- Pools at single-family homes are outside the decree.
Related obligations
- Training: the lifeguard must hold the training set by the regional Health Department.
- Information on display: users must be told whether or not there is a lifeguard, along with emergency phone numbers (art. 28).
- Over 500 m² of water surface: article 23 also requires health staff (a nurse or doctor) during opening hours and a first-aid room. Communities of up to 30 homes are exempt from this too.
- First-aid kit with basic supplies, in a visible place.
If your community is exempt
Not having the obligation doesn't remove the risk. Many small communities choose to hire a lifeguard anyway in the busiest months, or at least reinforce the rules: children under 12 always accompanied by an adult (art. 26), controlled access and a first-aid kit to hand.
Frequently asked questions
My community has exactly 30 homes. Does it need a lifeguard?
No. The decree exempts owners' communities "of up to a maximum of thirty homes", so with 30 it's exempt. From 31 upwards, it needs a lifeguard.
Does the lifeguard have to be there all the time?
Yes, throughout opening hours. While they are on a break, the pool must be closed to swimmers.
How many lifeguards does a typical community pool need?
One, if the water surface doesn't exceed 500 m², which is usual for communities. More would be needed if not every pool can be seen from one post.