For many people, owning a swimming pool is the greatest financial and legal risk they will ever take with regard to personal property.
The laws of most states hold the homeowner responsible for providing a safe environment for both children and adults. The law often requires a homeowner to take precautionary measures to avoid injury to foreseeable users, such as neighborhood children, who may not be invited guests.
This is a burden for some people and may be the main reason they do not have a pool. For those that do, there are a few steps that can be taken to help reduce the potential of an accident and the consequent legal liability:
- Make sure that children and adults only use the pool when supervised.
- Never allow the pool to be unattended if it is accessible.
- When done using the pool, clear out all pool toys so that they do not tempt children.
- Do not allow an intoxicated person to use the pool.
- Make sure that lifesaving devices are kept nearby and in good condition.
- Never rely on floatation devices to protect individuals using the pool from drowning.
- Make sure that the insurance policy you have on your home includes coverage for any possible accidents that could occur.
- Do not rely on posted warning signs such as “Swim At Your Own Risk” to protect you against a lawsuit.