COVID-19 Injury Lawyers

Public Pools and COVID-19

Posted June 22, 2020

With summer officially underway, many families are considering ways they can beat the heat while staying safe during the ebb and flow of coronavirus outbreaks. However, with many states still mandating social distancing orders, are public pools safe? And, if you are permitted to swim in your community pool, can you sue if you catch COVID-19? 

Is it safe to swim in public pools during a global pandemic?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no evidence that the COVID-19 virus spreads through the water in pools, hot tubs, spas, or recreational water sources.

The thought process behind these water sources not being a carrier for the virus is that the chemicals used to sanitize the pools should, in theory, kill the coronavirus.

In addition, the virus is not spreadable via the ocean, lakes, or other bodies of water itself. The problem is when these public accommodations become crowded, the virus can spread person to person.

The Dangers of Public Accommodations

Right now, many families are considering the gamble of utilizing public pools in their communities and developments just to beat the summer heat. However, the lingering concern of catching COVID-19 continues to plague everyone’s thoughts.

Each state and community has its own mandates on public pool reopenings and capacity limitations.

However, even though these capacity limits exist, that does not mean pool-goers will maintain social distance guidelines. 

However, there are ways you can stay protected while beating the heat.

  • Stay with your group. Do not mingle within the crowds.
  • Utilizing hand washing stations, hand sanitizer, etc.
  • Stay home if you feel sick.
  • Do not touch common areas such as handrails, doors, etc. without sanitizing or washing hands after contact.

Unfortunately, even with guidelines in place, there still is the risk of contagions as the virus is spread via respiratory droplets.

But, if you catch COVID-19 after visiting a public pool, can you sue? 

Can I sue if I catch COVID-19 from a public pool?

Your kids may be eager to make waves in the community pool. However, if someone in your family catches COVID-19 after utilizing a public accommodation, you may wonder if you can sue.

The answer is perhaps. Some public pools and recreational facilities are manding liability waivers to relinquish responsibility if illness occurs. Much of the question lies in the assumed responsibility of the pool goer and the extent to which the public accommodations have adhered to COVID-19 state and local mandates.

The truth is, you may be able to sue but it will require serious documentation and a team that can guide you through the legal process in such a new, uncertain time.

COVID-19 Personal Injury: Public Pools

In this new normal, many activities are seriously restricted and outright not permissible during COVID-19 outbreaks. However, when you are led to believe that you are safe to resume a family activity and you or a loved one becomes ill, you may wonder if there is anything to be done.

If you or a loved one has suffered illness or injury after visiting a public pool or water recreation area, contact our COVID-19 injury lawyers. We will review your case to see if there is action to be brought against the organization or company.

Posted in COVID-19.

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