A swimming pool can be a fun and relaxing place for hotel guests, but it can also be a dangerous one. Every year there are numerous accidents in hotel swimming pools that result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Many – but not all – of these accidents are caused by hotel negligence. Hotels have a duty of care to their guests and when they fail to fulfill this duty of care, they can be held liable for any injuries that occur.
Our swimming pool accident lawyer at Cameron Law assists people who got injured in swimming pools across the state of Nevada, including Las Vegas, Paradise, Spring Valley, Henderson, and the surrounding area.
Hotel Negligence in Swimming Pool Accidents
Below are six examples of hotel negligence in swimming pool accidents.
1. Unreasonably Slippery Floors/Surfaces
Unreasonably slippery floors or surfaces are one of the most common causes of accidents in hotel swimming pools. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as inadequate non-slip coatings, the wrong type of tile, or even a lack of proper cleaning. It is the responsibility of the hotel to ensure that the pool area is safe for guests to use, and that includes ensuring that the surfaces are not too slippery.
2. Unrestricted Access for Children
Another example of hotel negligence is allowing children access to the pool without proper supervision or safety measures in place. Children who are not strong swimmers or are unable to swim should be required to wear flotation devices and be accompanied by an adult at all times. If a child drowns or is injured due to a lack of supervision, the hotel can be held liable.
Fact: Drowning is the leading cause of death for children in the 1-4 age group, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
3. Inadequate Pool Maintenance
Regular pool maintenance is critical to ensure the safety of guests. Neglecting to maintain proper chemical levels, pH balance, and filtration can cause a variety of problems that can lead to accidents. For example, if the pool is not properly chlorinated, bacteria or amoebas can grow, leading to illnesses for swimmers. If the hotel fails to maintain the pool and a guest is injured as a result, they can be held liable.
4. Issues with the Construction/Design of the Pool
In some cases, accidents in hotel swimming pools are caused by issues with the construction or design of the pool. This could include drain covers that are not properly secured or are missing, causing suction problems that can trap swimmers. If the pool is not designed in accordance with local regulations, it could also be a hazard. If a guest is injured due to an issue with the pool’s construction or design, the hotel could be held liable.
5. Cracks/Holes in the Pool Deck
Another potential hazard in hotel swimming pools is cracks and holes in the pool deck. These can cause tripping hazards or even lead to serious injuries if a guest falls into the hole. It is the hotel’s responsibility to regularly inspect the pool area and repair any damage as soon as possible to prevent accidents.
6. Debris In or Around the Pool
Finally, debris in or around the pool can be a significant hazard for swimmers. This could include trash, landscaping debris, or even pool equipment that is left in the pool area. If a guest is injured due to debris, the hotel can be held liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.
