Texas Safety Lawyer Discusses Importance Of Water Clarity In Pools

Jesse Guerra — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:30:33 GMT

The #1 Safety Rule for all pools is water clarity:

Water clarity is important for several reasons:

1. So that someone at the bottom of the pool can be seen allowing immediate rescue to that individual.

2. Water clarity is also important because it reveals objects or structural objects such as pool steps, ladder’s, and drains.

3. Water clarity is important for pool users because is provides clear visibility for swimmers preventing physical injury from other objects and swimmers.

The water clarity standard for the State of Texas is all follows:

Texas Department of Health Standards for Swimming Pools and Spas, Section 265.203(b)

Water Clarity standards for post - 10/01/99 and pre- 10/01/99 pools and spas. Areas of a post 10/01/99 or pre - 10/01/99 pool or spa shall be opened for use only if the pool or spa bottom and/or main drains are clearly visible. Possible visual occlusion by sediment or other matter shall be checked before opening a pool and periodically, as necessary, while the pool is in use. To check the pool or spa when in use, bathers shall exit and the pool or spa water shall be allowed to calm.

Clarity shall be observed between 1 to 5 minutes after users have exited. The pool or spa shall be opened for use only if the bottom and/or main drains are clearly visible. Sediment or other matter that may cause visual occlusion shall be vacuumed, filtered or otherwise removed as needed prior to pool use.

Therefore, if you own or operate a pool. Always check water clarity before allowing swimmers to use the pool to ensure a safe swimming experience for all.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jesse Guerra

Eric Saldana of New Mexico drowns at Wet 'n Wild Water Park

Jesse Guerra — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:54:56 GMT

According to news reports, 14-year old Eric Saldana of Chaparral New Mexico drowned at the Wet 'n Wild pool last Friday during a school field trip. Park officials said that the park was equipped with lifeguards that day.

He was found at the bottom of the volcano pool just inside the park www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp. Accounts of the event were being given by witnesses and lifeguards from the facility. My questions that need to be answered were what were the lifeguards doing and was the park overcrowded with too many students. There were several schools there that day for field trips.

If you have a weak swimmer that gets into trouble, the lifeguards should begin to take action immediately to save that individuals life. How long was he under before he was found? Another question that should be answered by all. I hope the family finds answers to what went wrong at that once again the importance of swimming pool safety and design is brought to light. For more information about lifeguards and pool issues you can visit our site at www.swimmingpoolaccidentlawyer.com.

As a swimming pool safety lawyer these cases are what we work on daily. It is important that the people involved be truthful and forthcoming with any and all information for the benefit of finding out how this tragedy could have happened with lifeguards on staff and chaperones watching the kids. It has similar facts to another tragic case out of Port Aransas, Texas involving a resort and students on a band trip that our firm was involved in.

Other questions that may follow may be who planned the trip? Was a tour guide used? What was the history of the water park and has this happened there before? Was there adequate staffing? What about the volcano pool? Was it designed in such a way that it prevented him from being seen? What was the clarity of the water and did it prevent him from being seen or rescued for some time? All this should be examined during the investigation by authorities and may help solve this case.

In the end the truth of what took place will surface. My prayers go out to the family and all the students who witnessed this horrible tragedy.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jesse Guerra

Corpus Christi Personal Injury Lawyer - Waterpark Drowning

Texas Safety Lawyer Discusses Importance Of Water Clarity In Pools

Eric Saldana of New Mexico drowns at Wet 'n Wild Water Park