Now that summer has officially begun, days seem to be getting even hotter. This has led many New Haven residents to head out to area pools to try to cool down. It’s important to remain aware of your surroundings for potential safety hazards.
It’s not uncommon for large amounts of water to get splashed or tracked onto dry surfaces around pools. This is why visitors should always be vigilant for slippery surfaces in restrooms and along platforms. If a property owner or manager fails to keep these areas reasonably safe and someone gets hurt, then it’s possible for them to be held liable for damages.
The owner is also responsible for surrounding the pool with adequate fencing necessary to prevent individuals from gaining access to a pool if they have no right to be there. It’s their responsibility to have a lifeguard on duty when the pool is open. It’s also important that they post signs warning visitors to swim at their own risk if there’s no lifeguard on duty. If they don’t do any of these things and someone drowns or is otherwise injured, then they can be sued.
If a swimming pool has a diving board or water slide, then it’s the owner’s responsibility to make sure that it’s in good repair. If a swimmer strikes their head on the diving board or suffers slide burn, then the owner may be able to be held liable for negligence.
It’s even possible for swimming pool visitors to sue owners for failing to enforce rules requiring all swimmers to take a bath before they get in the pool. They must also maintain an adequate balance of chemicals in the pool. In either case, if someone becomes ill after swimming in a contaminated or improperly balanced pool, then they can sue for damages.
If you or a loved one was hurt in a public pool, then a premises liability attorney can advise about your potential legal options.
