§ 34-600. Natural bathing beaches.

(a)

Permit. A permit to operate a natural bathing beach must be obtained from the board of health prior to operation. A private natural bathing beach is exempt from this article.

(b)

Facilities. Adequate facilities shall be provided and appropriate precautions shall be taken to control the use of a public bathing beach to insure the health and well-being of bathers.

(c)

Environmental survey. An environmental survey shall be conducted annually to record characteristics of the water source, possible sources of sewage contamination, industrial wastes, potential hazards and site suitability. A report of this survey shall be submitted to the board of health prior to opening for the season.

(d)

Bacteriological analysis. Bacteriological analysis of the water shall be performed and results shall be included in the environmental survey. No less than three bacteriological samples shall be collected from the proposed bathing area each of the first three days of each week for three consecutive weeks prior to planned opening for the season. The water quality shall meet the current standards for public bathing beaches as specified by the current rules and regulations of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, 391-3-6-.03, "Water Use Classification and Water Quality Standards", and any other test(s) deemed necessary by the board of health. Re-survey and analysis may be required as often as deemed necessary by the board of health.

(e)

Routine sampling. No less than three bacteriological samples shall be collected from the bathing area for each 30-day interval between the opening inspection and the final day of operation for the season. The initial sampling date shall establish the sampling cycle wherein samples may be collected. The water quality shall meet the current standards for public bathing beaches as specified by the current rules and regulations of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, 391-3-6-.03, "Water Use Classification and Water Quality Standards", and any other test(s) deemed necessary by the board of health. Resurvey and analyses may be required as often as deemed necessary by the board of health.

(f)

Sanitary facilities. Separate toilet and hand-washing facilities for men and women shall be provided and maintained in accordance with this article.

(g)

Construction.

(1)

Plans. Site plans prepared by a registered engineer shall display the anticipated bathing load, location, topography of the bathing area and surrounding land area, and appurtenances such as the number and type of sanitary facilities, lifeguard stations, and other related structures, and shall be submitted to the board of health for review prior to any development.

(2)

Environmental survey. An environmental survey shall be made to record characteristics of the water source, possible sources of sewage contamination, industrial wastes, potential hazards and site suitability. A report of this survey shall be submitted to the board of health along with the plans.

(3)

Bacteriological analysis. Bacteriological analysis of the water from the proposed bathing area shall be conducted by an independent, certified laboratory, and results shall be included with the environmental survey submitted to the board of health. The bacteriological analysis shall include results from a minimum of three bacteriological samples collected from the water of the bathing area of the proposed site. The samples shall be collected at least 24 hours apart, weekly for three consecutive weeks. Re-survey and analysis may be required as often as deemed necessary by the board of health. The water quality shall meet the current standards for natural bathing beaches as specified by the current rules and regulations of the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, 391-3-6-.03, "Water Use Classification and Water Quality Standards", and any other test(s) deemed necessary by the board of health.

(4)

Design. For water depths up to five feet the beach bottom should consist of stabilized sand and/or gravel and the bottom slope should not exceed one foot in 12 feet. The slope shall be smooth and constant without any sudden changes or drop-offs. The outer boundary of the bathing area shall be marked by visible poles spaced not over 200 feet apart mounted to the bottom. The outer boundary shall also be clearly visible and posted to prevent unauthorized boats and all ski traffic from entering the bathing area. Poles shall be connected by a sturdy line with buoys not over 20 feet apart. Depth markers shall be installed on each pole. An elevated lifeguard stand shall be required for each 200 yards of beach or fraction thereof. A life saving ring or buoy with appropriate lengths of line shall be located at each lifeguard stand. The water depth surrounding any diving float or fixed platform, not being more than two meters above the water surface, shall be a minimum of 12 feet deep for a distance of not less than 12 feet from all sides of the float or platform. An operable, hard-wired, weatherproof telephone, with direct 911 access or capability, shall be installed at the lifeguard stand. An additional phone must be installed at the sanitary facilities building or other approved structure if it is located more than 300 feet from the lifeguard stand. The user load determination shall be made during the preliminary design phase. The owner or authorized agent, the plan engineer, and the board of health will determine beach capacities and area served. The number of sanitary facilities will be determined based on the anticipated number of bathers.

(5)

Location. Swim area shall be located where adequate circulation is present to assure continued acceptable water quality.

(h)

Safety. At least one American Red Cross or equivalent certified lifeguard shall be provided for each 100 yards of waterfront/beach or fraction thereof. Lifeguards shall be capable swimmers and competent in rescue, lifesaving and first aid methods, including artificial resuscitation. Each lifeguard's station (elevated station or platform) shall be equipped with a 20-inch diameter lifesaving ring attached to a 100-foot continuous length of light, strong line of approved material. If bathing is permitted beyond a depth of five feet for a distance greater than 100 yards as measured from the shoreline, a square-sterned boat, ten to 12 feet in length shall be provided. The boat shall be equipped with two oars and oarlocks and have on board one lifesaving ring with line. The boat shall be used by the lifeguard to patrol bathing areas where depths exceed five feet. The outer safe limits, or boundary of the bathing area, shall be marked with buoys or other markers visible to bathers and spaced no less than 20 feet apart. In inclement weather or when wind or other factors pose hazards to bathers or hinder adequate control of the area, the guards shall cause evacuation of the area until safe conditions are restored.

(Ord. No. 09-0120, 1-7-09; Ord. No. 18-0340, Att. A, 5-16-18)