ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies some of the factors that are responsible for serious swimming pool accidents and fatal drownings. It intends for an audience that includes plaintiff attorneys, defense attorneys, risk managers, and insurance underwriters. However, it may also serve as a useful reference for aquatic professionals. Semi-public pools are pools located at hotels, resorts, health clubs, condominiums, clubs, trailer parks, campgrounds, universities, and housing developments. They are usually intended for use by owners and invited guests. Public pools sometime serve as competition pools usually during early morning and late afternoon or evening hours. It is important to recognize that while mostly experienced swimmers are using the pool at this time, accidents and fatal drowning events still occur. Poor water clarity is often a significant contributing factor to a fatal drowning event by preventing a caregiver or a lifeguard having clear vision of the water column and the pool bottom.
