Are You Liable If Someone Drowns In Your Pool?

While never a pleasant scenario to imagine, if you own a swimming pool the question inevitably will come up at some point; what happens if someone drowns in the pool? Knowing what your liability is as a homeowner and the facts regarding this issue may answer several important questions. Namely, are you financially covered in the event of an accidental death?

Public & Private Pool Liability

In public pools and privately run pools, the pool owner or operator is liable for the safety of swimmers. Examples of negligent behavior can include failing to ensure proper operation of equipment and following basic safety guidelines. Owners and operators may also be liable for failing to properly staff and train lifeguards.

Slip & Fall Injuries

Injuries such as slip and falls that occur on premises may also constitute negligence on the part of the pool owner if a court determines they were at fault and failed to maintain the facilities. Even to the extent of providing adequate signage that directs people not to run or engage in horseplay around the pool area.

Homeowner Liability

Residential pool owners may also be liable in the event of an injury or unforeseen tragedy such as an accidental drowning. A lawyer would argue that the responsibility to address any potential safety hazards in and around the pool lies with the homeowner.

Recommended Guidelines

The National Safety Council (NSC) has set guidelines for mitigating the risk of drowning. Some of those recommended safety measures include:

• Having an adult supervising the pool area at all times when young children or inexperienced swimmers are present.
• Keeping children and other vulnerable people out of areas of the pool where suction devices are present.
• Keeping emergency supplies such as a first-aid kits on hand and easily accessible.
• Hiring a designated lifeguard for any event hosting a large number of people in the pool.
• Assuring that at least one CPR-trained person is present when necessary.
• Preventing persons who have consumed alcohol from swimming.
• Preventing swimmers from diving and dangerously engaging in horseplay with one another.

Many states also have laws regarding fences, gates, and barriers that must be in place around the pool area. Failure to install this required equipment in accordance with the state mandate could constitute negligence on the part of the homeowner and leave them liable for damages.

Who Else May Be Liable For Damages?

While the laws of each state differ, trade professionals such as pool service technicians and even pool builders may be liable in the event of an injury or accidental death. In some instances, pool equipment suppliers and manufacturers may even be held liable for damages.

Examples of Potential Liability

One scenario would be if there was a recall on an installed piece of equipment sold after the recall date, or if electrical was improperly bonded in the swimming pool by the contractor. The potential for liability increases for those responsible for maintaining and sanitizing the swimming pools under their management.

What Pool Owners Need To Do To Protect Themselves

If you’re building a swimming pool, liability insurance is a must, according to insurance experts. While most homeowners carry a minimum of $100,000 in liability coverage, some policies don’t cover swimming pools. An accident could potentially leave you with liability for damages that exceed your minimum coverage.

Additional Liability Coverage

Many homeowners opt to purchase additional liability coverage to protect themselves in the unlikely event a lawsuit arises. While some umbrella liability coverage plans extend to the pool, some don’t. In certain cases homeowners may opt to purchase an additional $1 million in coverage which may cover slip & falls, injuries, and even drowning.

This type of safety net provides the peace of mind that in the event of an accident there is adequate insurance coverage for any potential lawsuits which may arise.

Do Homeowners Need To Inform Their Insurance Company They’re Building a Pool?

The short answer is “yes”. Many homeowners may find that it’s advisable to give their insurance agent a call before building a pool. Finding out how much coverage you have, what your homeowners policy covers, and where any potential gaps may be is always a smart idea before you embark upon a pool construction project.

Swimming pools in general are considered detached structures much like a shed. As such, typically they are not covered under a general homeowners policy unless it’s been specifically added.

Building a Swimming Pool Could Raise Your Insurance

One unforeseen cost of building a pool regards insurance. Some consumers may find that their current homeowners policy does not cover a swimming pool. Experts would say that it’s prudent to ask whether building a pool will raise the monthly premium price.

Be Prepared To Pay More For a Diving Board

Insurance professionals advise that building a swimming pool which incorporates a feature such as a jump rock or diving board can also raise rates or potentially prohibit your insurer from extending liability coverage on the pool entirely.

Rental Property Owners

It’s advised that homeowners who rent out their property or swimming pool get additional liability coverage. In most instances, a standard homeowners policy does not cover rental situations. Popular rental platforms like VRBO, Airbnb and Swimply offer up to an additional $1 million in coverage, but purchasing your own independent additional coverage may ultimately be the best protection for those who are renting out their backyard.

What Happens If Someone Drowns And You Get Sued?

All new pools in California must meet the requirements of the Swimming Pool Safety Act, which are outlined in sections 115920-115929 of the California Health and Safety Code. Among other things, the Act requires access gates in residential swimming pool enclosures to be at least 60 inches long, self-closing, and have a self-latching device no lower than 60 inches above the ground.

One Famous Pool Liability Case

Former Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee and his wife, actress Pamela Anderson, were sued for $10 million in 2001 after a four-year-old child drowned in their swimming pool during a birthday party. The toddler had been left unaccompanied “for a minute,” according to Lee. Although a jury finally found that Lee and Anderson were not negligent, the couple was still subjected to much agony as well as significant legal expenditures.

Best Advice To Prevent Liability:

• Allow guests to enter the pool only if they are supervised by a responsible adult.
• Do not leave floats and toys in the pool that may attract small children.
• When adult guests come to visit, make sure they’re responsible for supervising their children.
• Do not let intoxicated adult guests or their children swim in the pool.
• Consider leaving a diving board out of your pool plan.
• Maintain a homeowner’s insurance policy with at least $1,000,000 in liability coverage for swimming pool injuries.
• Surround the pool with the appropriate size pool fence.
• Install gates that are self-latching and are at least 60 inches high.
• When not in use, the pool should ideally be securely covered.
• Make certain that everyone in the house knows how to swim.
• Pool owners should be familiar with basic first aid and life-saving skills.
• Keep enough pool safety equipment (not only flotation devices) around the pool.
• Consider adding a pool alarm to notify you when the water’s surface is interrupted.