Oregon Health Authority revisits pool supervision rule for minors
PORTLAND, Ore. — The Oregon Health Authority is revisiting a new pool rule, shifting from a mandatory requirement to a recommendation for adult supervision of children under age 14 at general-use public swimming pools during open swim periods. This temporary change is effective for the current season, requiring pools to post signage reflecting the new guidance.
The agency will convene a public process this fall to gather input from parents, caregivers, public pool operators, lifeguards, regulators and other interested parties. This feedback will inform a final decision on whether to make the rule permanent or adopt a different approach.
The original rule, which formally took effect on April 1, 2025, mandated that children under age 14 receive direct supervision from a person aged 18 years or older.
Gabriela Goldfarb, manager of OHA's Environmental Public Health Section, stated that the Food, Pool and Lodging Health and Safety Program is proposing additional discussion with the community and regulated partners. This action comes after hearing from parents and caregivers of older elementary and early middle school-age children, aiming to gather more input, ensure equitable access to public pools and continue to keep kids safe.
The Oregon Health Authority will notify all pool operators and local health inspectors about the temporary rule adoption, which amends the signage language. The upcoming temporary rule will require signs stating, "OHA recommends children under the age of 14 years have direct supervision by a person aged 18 years or older."
The initial rule adopted in 2025 by OHA and its Rule Advisory Committee (RAC) aligned with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Model Aquatic Health Code (MAHC). The MAHC serves as the primary national framework for aquatic safety. The age limit was based on national data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has consistently shown a high rate of drowning deaths through age 13, with a subsequent drop starting at age 14. This same data indicates that drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children ages 5-14.
Even though the RAC unanimously agreed with the proposal for supervision of those 13 and younger, the extensive rulemaking process addressed a broad range of more technical issues, such as pool equipment and chemistry. Goldfarb noted that due to the technical nature of most rules, OHA typically receives participation from pool facility operators and builders, rather than community members using the pool.
Goldfarb also said that going forward, when the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates its model codes, OHA plans to work to identify proposed changes that need community conversations to find the right path for Oregon.
The Oregon Health Authority will conduct a public process this fall to hear input from various stakeholders and use this information to decide on the future of the pool supervision rule, either making it permanent or adopting an alternative regulation.
