Overview
EN 1069-2:2026 – Water slides – Part 2: Instructions is a European standard developed by CEN. It provides comprehensive guidelines for the safe use, operation, maintenance, and documentation of public water slides installed either in open water areas or swimming pools. This standard focuses on enhancing safety by specifying requirements for signage, operational instructions, inspections, and risk management procedures for operators and manufacturers.
EN 1069-2:2026 supersedes previous editions and now explicitly covers water slides in both open-water and pool settings, supporting a broad range of recreational facilities across Europe. The document is relevant for facility owners, operators, manufacturers, and professionals involved in the management and installation of public water slides.
Key Topics
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Operational Risk Assessment: Operators must conduct a thorough risk assessment, considering user behavior, spacing, slide speed, landing type, and special features. Risk reduction strategies may involve technical or supervisory controls and clear signage.
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User Instructions and Signage:
- Clear, standardized signage (including safety, mandatory, prohibition, and information signs) must be prominently displayed at access points and platforms.
- Signage should communicate permitted behaviors, physical requirements (age, height, weight), splashdown details, and any special features or hazards.
- Additional information is recommended in changing areas or via video to reinforce safety and help users make informed decisions.
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Operation and Emergency Procedures:
- Operators are required to develop detailed operational guidelines, addressing start procedures, permitted slide positions, supervision levels, emergency plans, and maintenance responsibilities.
- Incident logbooks must be maintained for continuous improvement and accident prevention.
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Maintenance and Inspection
- Detailed instructions for regular maintenance, servicing, repairs, and modifications are mandated.
- Both routine and periodic inspections are specified, including annual independent inspections for certain slide types, functional testing, and thorough logbook documentation.
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Documentation:
- Manufacturers and suppliers must provide complete documentation, including design drawings, operating manuals, inspection reports, and risk assessments at the time of commissioning.
Applications
EN 1069-2:2026 is applicable wherever public water slides are installed, such as:
- Public swimming pools
- Water parks
- Resort and hotel pools with water slide features
- Open water installations in lakes, rivers, or beachfront facilities
Operators use this standard to ensure compliance, minimize risks, and provide a safe experience for users of all ages and abilities. Standardized instructions and signage support consistent safety practices across different facilities and member countries. For manufacturers and installers, EN 1069-2:2026 ensures all necessary guidelines are integrated during design, installation, and commissioning, facilitating smoother regulatory approval and long-term operational safety.
Related Standards
EN 1069-2:2026 should be used in conjunction with the following relevant standards:
- EN 1069-1: Water slides – Part 1: Safety requirements and test methods
- EN 15288-1: Swimming pools for public use – Safety requirements for design
- EN 15288-2: Swimming pools for public use – Safety requirements for operation
- EN ISO 7010: Graphical symbols – Safety signs
- ISO 3864-3: Design principles for safety signs and graphical symbols
- EN ISO/IEC 17020: Requirements for operation of inspection bodies
These standards collectively provide a framework for the safe design, operation, and management of water slides and other recreational water equipment, supporting compliance with legal and safety requirements across Europe.
Keywords: EN 1069-2:2026, water slides standard, public swimming pool safety, water slide operation, water slide signage, CEN standards, water slide maintenance, recreational facility standards, water slide inspection, swimming pool equipment regulations, European safety standards
