Description and Mission of the Program

The mission of the Recreational Water Safety program is to protect and promote the health of the people in Cowlitz County by preventing illness and injuries related to water recreational facility use.  This is done by assuring that recreational water facilities in Cowlitz County are in compliance with state water quality and safety regulations (WAC 246-260 and 246-262).

Environmental health specialists routinely and periodically inspect all recreational water facilities in Cowlitz County.  Such facilities include pools and spas at hotels, motels and condominium/apartment complexes that contain more than fourteen units, athletic/health clubs and municipal facilities.

Inspectors evaluate water quality by checking pH levels, the water filtering system, water clarity, disinfecting agent (chlorine, bromine or chlorine with cyanuric acid), temperature and alkalinity.  The adequacy of first aid and rescue equipment, emergency response practices, safety barriers, pool structure, records and facilities are also assessed.

Related Health Department Web Links

• Drinking Water

• School Safety

• The Living Environment

• Water Testing

Swimming Pool & Spa Handouts

• Water Quality Handout

• Swimming Pool Rules

• Spa Pool Rules

• Pool Contamination Guidelines

• High Chlorine Dosage Worksheet

• Required Elements of a First Aid Kit

• DOH Guidance on Barrier Design

• DOH Guidance on Upgrading Pools with Single Main Drains

• DOH Water Recreation Publications Page

Swimming Pool & Spa Forms

• Annual Swimming Pool Permit Application

• Injury Report Form

• Guide For Developing A Pool Operators Manual (pdf)

• Swimming Pool Log Sheet

• Spa & Wading Pool Log Sheet

Related Outside  Websites

• Recreational Water Illness Brochure (CDC)

• Recreational Water Illness Video (CDC)

• Centers for Disease Control Healthy Swimming

• Water Treatment Tables (Lamotte)

• Washington State Environmental Health Association Pool Operators Manual Order Info

Washington Dept of Health Websites:

• Water Recreation Program

• WAC 246-260, Water Recreation Facilities

• WAC 246-262, Recreational Water Contact Facilities

• Cryptosporidium

• E.Coli

• Giardia

• Hepatitis A

• Water Safety

Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act Links

• VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act

• Pool Main Drain Safety - Guidance for Complying with the New Federal Law (DOH Publication)

• Selecting Drain Covers and Entrapment Prevention Equipment - DOH

• Single Main Drain Guidance - DOH

• VGB Compliance Verification Form (DOH)

• CPSC VGB Website

• CPSC List of Manufacturers of ASME/ANSI A112.19.8-2007 Approved Drain Covers

• CPSC List of Manufacturers of ASME/ANSI A112.19.17 or ASTM F2387 Approved Safety Vacuum Release Systems

• CPSC Guidance Fact Sheet

• CPSC Staff Interpretation of VGB Pool & Spa Safety Act

Complaints

There are three ways to lodge a complaint against a swimming pool or spa facility in Cowlitz County: 

1. You may call the Health Department directly (360-414-5599).

2. Visit the Health Department in person at 1952 9th Avenue in Longview.

3. Fill out a complaint form online Questions, Services or Complaint Form.

You will be asked for the following information: 

• The nature of the complaint.

•  Name and location of the place where the incident occurred. 

•  When the incident occurred or was observed (date and approximate time).

•  Your name and phone number.

Training Opportunities

Certified Pool-Spa Operator Courses (CPO)

National Swimming Pool Foundation

Lifeguard Training

American Red Cross Lifeguarding and Swimming

Water Recreation Rules and Regulations

Chapter 246-260, Water Recreation Facilities

Chapter 246-262, Water Recreation Contact Facilities

RCW 70.90, Water Recreation Facilities

What services are provided by Health Department professionals for Cowlitz County?  

• Inspect recreational water facilities for  compliance with state water quality and safety regulations.

• Consult with facility operators on faculty operation, water quality and safety issues.

• Assure education of water facility operators.

• Investigate and require correction of documented health and safety issues complaints.

• Enforce state and federal water safety and health regulations, including closure of noncompliant facilities.

Fee Schedule