Ice baths and cold plunge therapy are in, but is it the right fit for your aquatic facility? Read on.
Firstly, what is an ice bath?
Ice baths are where users submerge themselves in cold water for reported physical and mental health benefits.
Do I need to obtain approval to operate an aquatic facility?
Any water body controlled or used by or in connection with any club, business or association is considered an aquatic facility under Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007 (Regulations). Under the Regulations, a person must not operate an aquatic facility without a Certificate of Compliance and Permit to Operate issued by the Chief Health Officer (CHO). If you intend to operate an ice bath in connection with a business, club or association, approval may be required.
- Single use ice baths: Where water is disposed of after each user, the ice bath is not considered an aquatic facility and approval, or exemption is not required.
- Multi-use ice baths: An approval to operate an aquatic facility or exemption will be required if multiple people use the ice bath either one at a time or in groups and water is not disposed of after each use.
Note: Full design requirements will be applied to ice baths requiring approval. Please refer to the Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Operation, Management and Maintenance of Aquatic Facilities.
Can my aquatic facility be exempted?
Under Regulation 5(3) the CHO may exempt an aquatic facility if satisfied that:
- Only persons who have a long-term connection with the facility and their guests are permitted to have access to it; and
- The health and safety of the persons using the facility will not be compromised; and
- It is in the public interest to exempt the facility.
To be exempted, the owner of the aquatic facility must:
- Demonstrate to the CHO that the above 3 conditions apply; and
- Confirm and commit to ensuring that whenever the aquatic facility is available, it meets the minimum health and safety requirements.
An exemption is only valid providing that the owner/operator maintains compliance with the below minimum health and safety requirements.
Are there any other regulatory requirements I need to meet?
If the aquatic facility is exempted under Health legislation, you must still meet other regulatory requirements of the local government such as home occupation and business approvals and town planning requirements. For further assistance, please contact the contact your local government.
Royal Life Saving Society Australia, along with SPASA have also taken a deep dive into cold water immersion therapy and its safety in aquatic settings with the general consensus of ensuring an open dialogue of communication between aquatic facility and patron.
Understanding physiological and psychological responses associated as well as the need to prioritise reducing risk and maximising safety is paramount.
Read more about Royal Life Saving Society Australia's perspective here.
Still looking for more information on ice baths? Find the complete Guidance Note provided by the Department of Health below.
