Georgia Legal Report
(Valdosta Daily Times)
A 5-year-old boy tragically drowned during a pool party at the Quality Inn Sunday evening, July 1, 2018. Police told the Valdosta Daily Times a local family was staying at the “Quality Inn…on West Hill Avenue” for a birthday party. The young boy was discovered “unresponsive…near the bottom of the pool.” Sadly, emergency responders were unable to revive him.
The heart-breaking loss serves as a grave reminder to Georgia hotel owners and managers to provide a safe and secure pool area, particularly for their youngest guests.
Hotel Water Safety Questions:
- Is the swimming pool area completely enclosed? If so, is all fencing at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates? Are there any gaps in the fencing
- Is a certified life-guard on duty? Has property staff been trained in CPR, first aid and emergency response?
- Are all pool filters and drains up to date with pressure-venting mechanisms designed to reduce risk of entrapment?
- Are pool rules and occupancy limits clearly posted? How does property management monitor and enforce these pool rules?
- Are waters treated and tested daily in accordance with health codes?
Victims of Hotel Swimming Pool Safety Negligence: Know Your Rights
By law, Georgia hotel owners are required to protect all guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm. Should they fail in this critical responsibility, the property owner may be held civilly liable for any injuries or deaths which occur as a consequence.