You think that public pools are safer than owning your own pool. They can be, but there are also numerous reasons why they can be highly dangerous locations for you and your family. Philadelphia public pools are an important resource to the community, but you have to consider the risks before using them. Speak with a Philadelphia drowning accident lawyer from Kwartler Manus today.
The Real Risks Are Known
There are some public pool dangers you can protect yourself from, but there are numerous examples of risks present caused by poor management of these structures. In the city's own report and review of the safety of Philadelphia public pools, they found that 51 locations the city owns or manages contained some type of avoidable risk. Some examples of those risks include the following:
- Electrical cords submerged in water that was accessible to visitors.
- Dozens of pools have uneven or broken concrete on pool decks, creating significant tripping hazards.
- Locations with blocked drains that cause standing water and increase the risk of slips and falls
- Broken ladders in pools, including one instance in which there was yellow caution tape around the broken ladder, blocking an egress from the pool.
Philadelphia public pools have taken action, to some degree, to keep others safe. The government has made some repairs. Yet, the risks of suffering serious injuries at these locations are still present.
What Are the Most Common Dangerous Risks at Philadelphia Public Pools?
Public pools carry a significant number of unknown factors. Many of these are unseen and unknown until something happens. You cannot control others who use that structure. In addition, you do not know the level of maintenance consistently provided. Some of the most common dangers in public pools are those that fall into one of these categories.
- Structural issues: Uneven floors, such as broken concrete, are a common concern. The pools themselves may have broken or inaccessible ladders. Steps leading into and out of the pool may be poorly maintained, creating tripping hazards.
- Equipment malfunctions: Many of these pools have large and powerful drains and filtration systems. If a grate is not present or there are issues with the inlets, a person can get their foot or hand stuck in them, making it impossible to overcome the force. Broken chair lifts are another concern, and one many people do not think about because they are specifically designed for those in need of the most help.
- Sanitation risks: Improper cleaning and maintenance of systems, including a lack of proper chemical use (either too much that creates chemical risks or too little that creates bacteria risk), is a common concern. Swallowing contaminated water, such as from parasites like cryptosporidiosis, can be highly dangerous.
These are some of the most common functional concerns with public pools. When it comes to making sure these environments are safe, there are other factors to think about as well.
The Lack of Lifeguards
One of the most worrisome dangers at public pools is the lack of enough monitoring and supervision. Many of these facilities do not have enough lifeguards to manage them safely.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania requires that public pools maintain at least 1 lifeguard for every 4,000 square feet of water surface area. This rule applies at a variety of locations, whether public or privately managed. When a lack of lifeguards is present, the risks include:
- A higher risk of drowning. The primary goal of these trained professionals is to stop drowning incidents from happening, not just reacting when they do. That means constantly watching the water surface and scanning the area to ensure all swimmers are safe.
- More risk of rules not being followed. Another big factor is the lack of adherence to rules. Most pool rules are meant to enhance safety, but if regulations are not followed, those risks increase. For example, most pools should not be used for diving if the water is too shallow. Running around the pool is also highly unsafe.
- Lack of action when an emergency occurs. Lifeguards are a life-saving force when someone suffers a challenge. This includes providing CPR and using AEDs when they are waiting for EMS to arrive. Lifeguards save lives.
Providing enough trained lifeguards at public pools in Philadelphia should never be an afterthought. In some situations, cities have been unable to open their pools because they lack the proper number of lifeguards. Failing to take such actions can cause risks to others.
Were You Hurt in a Public Pool Accident in Philadelphia?
Those who are victims of accidents resulting from negligent behavior or hazardous conditions at Philadelphia public pools should seek legal guidance. There are limited instances in which you can hold the city at fault for their actions or inactions. We are here to help you know what these are and what actions to take.
At Kwartler Manus, we provide victims with a voice. If you were hurt as a result of the poorly maintained Philadelphia public pools, reach out to us immediately. You have very limited time to act. We can help you determine whether you can hold someone accountable and take the necessary steps to do so.
Request a free consultation with us now.
Blog Disclaimer – Kwartler Manus, LLC
The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. Reading or interacting with this content does not establish an attorney-client relationship with Kwartler Manus, LLC. Every legal matter is unique, and past results, settlements, verdicts, or case outcomes do not guarantee or predict a similar result in any future matter. This content may be considered Attorney Advertising under the rules of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. You should not act or rely upon any information contained in this blog without seeking the advice of a qualified attorney regarding your specific situation. Kwartler Manus, LLC is licensed to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, and this blog is intended for residents of those jurisdictions.