Summertime is right around the corner and that means crowded public pools for those seeking some relief from the heat. If the Emma Hood Swim Center does not quickly correct several ongoing safety and environmental issues, Alameda residents could be forced to look elsewhere for a public place to swim. The Alameda County Environmental Health Department will close the center at the end of May if the issues are not resolved. The swim center is approximately 60 years old.
Problems at the two pools date as far back as 2010. They include piping issues which caused the water in the two pools to mix, making it impossible to monitor the required six hour turnover time. In addition, the plaster in both pools needs replaced, and the pool deck was found to get too slippery, thereby posing a safety hazard. An Alameda City Councilman stated that the city “fell down on this” eight years ago when the needed repairs were first addressed. They repaired one pool, but failed to repair the other.
State premises liability laws declare that public pool owners are responsible for the safety of its visitors. In addition to drowning, there are other non-fatal injuries that can occur. If a pool deck is not properly maintained and is too slippery, a visitor may slip, fall, and hit their head causing a traumatic brain injury. Other injuries include body or hair entrapment, evisceration, entanglement, and even disembowelment of children in wading pools. Last, but definitely not least, pool water can contain harmful bacteria if not property filtered and chlorinated. These bacteria can make swimmers extremely ill.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a public pool accident, then exploring legal options can be beneficial. You may be entitled to current and future compensation.