As travelers, we all look forward to relaxing by the pool on our vacations. Hotel pools provide a fun way to cool off and spend time with family. However, pool areas can also be extremely dangerous if safety precautions are not followed. As travelers, it’s our responsibility to educate ourselves and be vigilant when spending time around hotel pools.
Lack of Supervision
One of the main reasons pool accidents happen is lack of supervision. Hotels often do not provide lifeguards to monitor their pools at all times. While some post signs saying “Swim at Your Own Risk,” others provide no warnings at all. As travelers, we should never assume our children will be watched. Adults can also easily slip, trip and fall around the pool area if no staff members are present. Always be on high alert when you or your family are poolside. Appoint a designated adult watcher, take turns being “on duty” and keep children within arm’s reach. No pool excursion is worth losing a loved one.
Alcohol Impairment
Another factor in many pool deaths is alcohol impairment. Vacations mean drinks for many travelers, but alcohol and pools do not mix. Drinking impairs judgement, reflexes and balance for swimmers. Intoxicated guests often take unnecessary risks like pushing others into the pool or diving where it is prohibited. As a traveler, you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of your intoxicated companions. Never swim while drunk or allow others to do so.
Dangerous Child Behavior
Horseplay in pools often has tragic consequences. Children may think it’s fun to push others into the water or attempt breath holding contests. However, this leads to slip-and-fall injuries or dangerous underwater blackouts. Curb dangerous behavior immediately. Set pool rules for the children in your group and explain safety consequences. Be vigilant about stopping kids from running around pool decks as well. One slip could lead to a devastating head injury.
Limited Pool Visibility
Some hotel pools suffer from poor visibility, making it hard to see swimmers beneath the surface. Murky water, reflections off the water’s surface and dark bottom surfaces impede vision. Always be wary of pools with limited visibility. Don’t allow poor underwater visibility to give children a false sense of security either. Just because you can’t see under the water clearly, doesn’t mean an adult is monitoring the pool below.
No Knowledge of Water Depth
Travelers may plunge into hotel pools unaware of drastic changes in depth or sudden drop-offs. This happens frequently when hotels fail to mark water depth properly. Look for depth markings before entering any pool. If they are unavailable, ask the hotel for this crucial information. Also, inquire about the pool’s shape. Irregular pool shapes with angles can disguise sudden depth changes. Enter unfamiliar pools slowly and use caution.
Missing Safety Equipment
Many hotel pools lack the proper safety equipment. While a phone is required poolside in case of emergencies, other lifesaving tools may be absent. Ask hotel staff to point out the nearest pool phone, hook for reaching/throwing rescues and first aid kit. Also, check for safety equipment like life rings or opening poles with hooks to retrieve submerged swimmers. If any of these are missing, reconsider using the pool as hazards increase significantly.
No “No Diving” Signs
Diving into shallow water can lead to catastrophic spinal cord injuries. Yet hotels fail to post “No Diving” warning signs around their pools. As travelers, look for pool depth markings reading 5 feet or shallower. Never dive into these pools. Even if you don’t see “No Diving” signs, use good judgment. Speak to your hotel about adding signs if you notice this safety lapse.
Faulty Pool Drain Covers
While rare, injuries and deaths caused by pool drain suction still occur. If a drain cover is broken or missing, bathers can become stuck on the drain due to the suction force. This leads to drowning or disembowelment. Check drain covers before swimming and avoid pools with faulty ones. Report any broken covers immediately so hotel maintenance can replace them. Vigilance saves lives in this area.
High Diving Boards
Some luxury resorts feature dramatic high dives for entertainment value. However, they provide only an illusion of safety for guests. Recreational high diving requires skill to avoid serious injuries like paralysis. Unless you are a trained diver, avoid high boards over 10 feet tall. The thrill is simply not worth the enormous risk involved for vacationers. Focus on fun poolside with family instead.
Responding to Pool Accidents
Pool accidents can happen in an instant, so being prepared with a plan of action is key. First, assess the situation and determine if the victim is responsive. If not, immediately call for help and alert any nearby adults to assist. Appoint someone to call 911 while you start CPR if the person is unresponsive and not breathing normally. Continue CPR until paramedics arrive.
If the victim is conscious, keep them calm and still. Do not move them if injuries like head, neck or back trauma are suspected. Wait for emergency responders to properly immobilize them before transport. For cuts, abrasions or other surface injuries, apply direct pressure to stop bleeding and bandage the wound.
Regardless of the type of injury, keep the victim warm until the paramedics arrive by wrapping them in towels or blankets. Gather any details about what led to the accident and share this information with first responders. Provide comfort and encouragement until emergency care is on scene. Once there, step aside and allow the medical team space to assess and treat the injured person. Cooperate fully by answering any questions they have about what occurred.
By educating ourselves on hotel pool hazards, we can prevent injuries and deaths while continuing to enjoy their recreation and relaxation value. Take responsibility for your own safety and the safety of any children in your group. Speak up to hotel management if you notice deficient safety practices as well. We all deserve a safe, fun hotel pool experience on our hard-earned vacations. Staying vigilant helps ensure hotel pools continue providing joy, not tragedy, for travelers everywhere.
If you or a loved one have been injured in a hotel pool accident, get in touch with us today.
Visit our office at 15 Broad St #800 Boston, MA 02109 or call now for a free consultation on (617) 263-0860.