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How Safe is Your Child at a Public Pool? Learn About the Requirement to Prevent Drowning Accidents

While beach options abound, California also has a wide range of public pools. These can be great for your kids to while away a summer afternoon – but only if they are safe. The truth is that a drowning accident can happen in a second – especially in a pool without proper maintenance and safety precautions.

For this reason, the state has passed the California Pool Code, which includes specific legal requirements for any operator of a public pool. Keep reading to find out what is included in that Code. If your child has already been injured in an accident at a public pool, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.

Requirements for Safety Equipment and Lifeguards

Almost all public pools in the state require a lifeguard. There are a few that do not, but then they must have a sign posted that indicates that there is no lifeguard on duty. When a lifeguard is hired, they must be trained in both CPR and first aid, and this training must be up to date. Certain types of safety equipment are also required including:

  • First aid kit
  • Background with a head and neck restraint
  • Telephone

For larger pools, at last two rescue poles are required, along with a ring-style life preserver. All pools must have a fence or other means of preventing access to the pool.

Requirements for Sanitation and Maintenance

There are also requirements for a pool owner or operator to keep it clean and well maintained. This involves keeping debris out, such as leaves, floating algae, or trash. It also involves keeping the area around the pool free of clutter and other types of safety hazards. They are also responsible for leaving the water clean itself.

You should always be able to see the bottom of the pool and the pool should be treated either with chlorine or another approved chemical disinfectant. The water must be tested at least once per day to ensure that the level of chemicals is low enough to be safe and high enough to be effective. The pool operator also has a duty to prevent use by anyone who has a contagious disease.

Inspection Requirements

Public pool operators must have their local department of public health or other governing agency inspect the pool on a regular basis. The required frequency of these visits will vary based on the county in which the pool is located. An agent must inspect it before it is open and any day the pool is found to be not in compliance with the California Pool Code could result in fines of up to $1,000 and up to six months in jail – per day of non-compliance.

If you have been injured in a pool, or your child has, then you may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit or claim. To find out what your options are, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 today for your free legal consultation.