Pool Operator Training

ATTENTION

The Food, Pools, and Lodging Services Section of the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) recognizes that several certification providers for training pool operators and lifeguards are not holding regularly scheduled courses due to COVID-19-related restrictions. As a result, availability of the required courses is limited.

Minnesota Session Laws 2020, Chapter 74, Article 1, Section 13, signed on April 15, 2020, allows the Commissioner of Health to temporarily delay, waive, or modify Minnesota Rules, Chapter 4717, which governs the requirements for public swimming pools. This modification applies to those individuals whose certification as trained pool operator or lifeguard expires between the effective date of the peacetime emergency (March 13, 2020) specified in Minnesota Session Laws 2020, Chapter 74, Article 1, Section 13, Subdivision 1,and until 60 days after the peacetime emergency is terminated or rescinded by proper authority.

Trained Pool Operator

This modification is effective March 13, 2020, as long as the following conditions are met:

1. For individuals who are currently certified, obtain the renewal certification within 6 months of the expiration.
2. For individuals not currently certified, obtain the credential within 2 months of opening the pool.

Lifeguard

This modification is effective March 13, 2020. Currently certified lifeguards must obtain their renewal certification within 6 months of expiration.