Rudy Penner - Director, Risk Management
For many families summer vacations are in full swing and for those looking to escape the summer heat, choosing accommodations with a pool can be an attractive option. While guests enjoy the pool, it is important that your pool facilities and procedures are up-to-date in order to keep guests safe and avoid any liability claims. Here are a couple of tips to help keep your location’s pool safe this summer season.
Set up a pool area inspection schedule
Broken pool deck tiles or loose guardrails can pose a serious safety issues for guests, resulting in cuts or even broken bones. In order to ensure that your pool area is free of any hazards it is important to implement a regular inspection/maintenance schedule. Inspection/maintenance checklists should include the following questions:
- Are pool and spa drain-covers in place, secure and in good condition?
- Ladders and handrails secure and in good repair?
- Are pool, spa and exercise areas free from trip hazards?
- Is the pool deck and entrances free of broken or cracked tiles?
- Are life safety devices (life rings, Sheppard hooks) in place, highly visible, easily accessible and in good condition?
- Are health and safety signage in place and clearly visible at pool, spa and exercise room?
- Is an emergency telephone or alarm button available in the pool area ?
Conduct regular water quality tests
A dirty pool is almost certain to draw a negative guest review, however it can also result in a serious liability claim if guests get sick. Shared use pools are prone to gathering germs which can infect guests with a variety of water borne illness, such as diarrhea or skin rash. Staff should conduct 3-5 water quality tests a day, ensuring that chlorine and pH levels are within safe operating levels outlined by your local health code. Once tests are completed, they should be logged by staff in case of a future liability claim.
Waterslides
Waterslides are a great source of enjoyment for many hotel guests, especially those with children, but can also present the potential for serious injury if they are misused. Slides should be checked at least twice a year to ensure that the stairs, rails and support structures are in good condition. The slide sections should also be checked for shifting and the joints should be realigned and sealed to prevent injury when sliders pass over the joints.
Dedication to adopting a pool safety strategy is vital to keeping your operations running smoothly and guests safe this summer. For more information on pool safety or to set up a risk management consultation for your pool facilities contact Western Financial Group Insurance Solutions at 1-800-665-8990.
