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“No running allowed” is a common sign to see by swimming pools at resorts, hotels, and similar hospitality spots. As for why it’s typical to see this type of signage around pools in such places, the short answer is to minimize legal liability issues. The experienced professionals from San Diego Pools, the pool builder San Diego businesses trust for high-quality construction and exceptional service, elaborate and run through some of the other reasons below.
Granted, if a guest at a resort slips and falls while running near the swimming pool, it may technically be the individual’s fault for running by the pool in the first place. However, the resort’s owners could still be held legally liable for not making an effort to mitigate this risk, especially since it could be considered a fairly obvious one. On the other hand, if a guest ignores a sign that’s in plain sight and runs by the pool and gets hurt, the resort may have a legal leg to stand on.
Most resorts have some type of liability insurance that covers such things as any accidents guests may have while on the premises. Even so, most insurance providers prefer to avoid risks whenever possible. For this reason, insurance providers often require commercial policyholders to take reasonable steps to prevent accidents. This list typically includes posting appropriate signage in areas where accidents are more likely to occur, such as ones around wet pool-adjacent surfaces.
Naturally, most pool users at resorts don’t wear shoes. Even though human feet provide some degree of traction, it’s definitely not the same as what you get with shoes, especially when feet are wet. Plus, poolside surfaces are often wet from people getting in and out of the pool.
What running on such surfaces does is increase the risk of slipping and falling when quickly moving over wet areas or slick surfaces. Accidents of this nature may involve or result in:
• Ankle sprains
• Fractures or bone breaks
• Knee injuries
• Shoulder dislocations or muscle strains
• Spine-related injuries
• Cuts and bruises
From a practical perspective, it’s not realistic to expect resort employees to constantly mop up water on poolside surfaces. This would also be a distraction for guests trying to enjoy the pool without constantly having to navigate around staff members looking for any signs of water by the pool.
Along with posting clearly visible signs near your swimming pool, there are some additional steps you can take to protect your guests if you’re a resort owner. For instance, there are certain types of pavers that can be used to create a pool deck area with a nonslip surface. Injury risk by your pool area can be further mitigated by:
• Having staff monitor the pool area so guests who are running can be reminded not to do it
• Installing more steps to make it easier for guests to safely get in and out of the pool
• Designating certain areas for pool entry/exit and using other poolside areas for seating and other poolside amenities
If you own or manage a resort and have any questions about how to make your pool safer for your customers, call the experienced professionals at San Diego Pools. We’re a premier commercial pool builder, and our team of pool design and construction experts is dedicated to building the pool that’s right for your business and providing you with the highest-quality service in the industry. Give us a call today at 888-707-7786.