Fort Wayne, IN Swimming Pools & Spas: Fencing & Safety Requirements (2026)
Key Facts
- Spine board
- Required on-site at all times
- No Diving signs
- 3-inch letters, shallow areas
- Lifeguard ratio
- 1 per 75 patrons
- Enforcement
- Fort Wayne-Allen County Health Officer
Summary
Fort Wayne requires public and semi-public pools to post "No Diving" signage in shallow areas, keep a spine board and cervical collar on hand, and post a Pool Closed sign when unattended.
(A) A spine board with ties and rigid cervical collar must be provided and accessible at all times. (B) Signs stating "No Diving" in clearly legible, three-inch high letters shall be displayed in non-diving and shallow portions (five feet depth or less) of public and semi-public pools. Said display shall be in locations clearly visible to bathers entering the pool in non-diving areas.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-60: Supplement contains: Local legislation current through Ord. G-19-26, passed 7-14-26, and Res. 83-19, passed 12-17-19 State legislation current through Legislative Service, 2025 Acts, Pamphlet No. 3).
Full Breakdown
Under Fort Wayne Code of Ordinances § 156.30, every public or semi-public pool must keep a spine board with ties and a rigid cervical collar accessible at all times. Three-inch "No Diving" letters must be posted in non-diving and shallow areas (five feet deep or less) where bathers can see them, and diving is barred outside areas built for it. A "Pool Closed" sign must go up whenever the pool isn't open to bathers. Separately, § 156.32 requires a lifeguard trained in CPR and first aid on deck at all times, with one guard per 75 patrons.
Violations & Fines
The Health Officer can suspend or revoke a pool's operating permit under § 156.33 for failing to meet safety standards, with a hearing available to the owner within 24 hours of a suspension order.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Sources & Official References
Other rules in Fort Wayne
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