Many people choose to spend their summer around the pool or regularly use lap pools for exercise. However, pools inherently have various hazards that can put swimmers at risk of a slip-and-fall injury. A person who slips and falls at someone else’s swimming pool may have a legal claim for compensation for the financial and personal losses they suffered. If you have questions about your right to compensation after a swimming pool accident in Vancouver, contact Warnett Hallen LLP for a free consultation with an experienced slip-and-fall lawyer.
Common Causes of Poolside Slip-and-Fall Accidents
Swimming pools have many hazards that can lead to a slip-and-fall accident, including:
- Puddles
- Algae buildup
- Spilled foods and drinks
- Sunscreen residue or other slippery substances on the pool deck
- Water leaks
- Broken or defective steps or ladders
- Cracked or uneven ground
Understanding Liability in Pool Accidents
When someone slips and falls at a private or hotel pool, the British Columbia Occupiers’ Liability Act (OLA) governs liability for the accident victim’s injuries and losses. The OLA requires property owners and occupiers to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. The OLA applies to commercial business property, private residences, and government/public facilities.
Under the OLA, a pool owner may be liable for a slip-and-fall accident if the accident occurred due to a hazardous condition that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to identify, fix, or prevent. In many cases, a pool owner will bear responsibility for a slip-and-fall accident caused by a hazardous condition if the condition existed long enough that the owner should have discovered and remedied it if they had exercised reasonable diligence in maintaining the pool.
Other factors can also affect liability for a pool accident, including whether the injured person exercised caution around the pool, paid attention to warning signs, and followed the owner’s rules or regulations. For example, someone who suffers a poolside slip-and-fall accident may have a more challenging legal claim if they were running around the pool right before slipping. A swimming pool injury lawyer can help prove liability in your case.
Preventive Measures for Pool Safety
Pool owners can help reduce the risk of a pool accident by:
- Ensuring appropriate supervision for the pool, including adult supervision of young children or lifeguards
- Installing fencing or covers to prevent unauthorized access to the pool or pool area
- Installing warning systems, such as access alarms or wave detectors, to alert for unauthorized access
- Placing safety equipment like ring buoys and first-aid kits within easy access
- Posting visible warning signs or rules boards, including warnings against risky behavior like running or diving
- Having an emergency telephone poolside
Swimmers can also reduce their risks of having an accident at the pool by:
- Maintaining a slower walking pace around the pool
- Using footwear with traction
- Refraining from diving into the shallow end of the pool
- Drying off as soon as possible after getting out of the pool
- Identifying any rescue devices or other safety equipment before entering the pool
- Ensuring that young children or less-skilled swimmers wear flotation devices
Get Help From a Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer
Did you fall at a swimming pool in British Columbia? An experienced Vancouver swimming pool slip-and-fall accident lawyer at Warnett Hallen LLP can explain your rights to compensation in a free consultation. Contact us today for a free consultation.
