Should Your Community Association Have A Lifeguard?

A community pool is a great amenity, offering residents a place to relax, exercise, and socialize. But with any water-based activity comes safety concerns. One of the biggest questions HOA and condo association board members face is whether to hire a lifeguard. While a lifeguard enhances safety, hiring one can also be costly and introduce liability risks.

This guide will help your community association weigh the pros and cons, explore alternative safety measures, and determine the best course of action for your pool.

Benefits Of Having A Lifeguard On Duty

Having a lifeguard on duty at your community pool has the obvious benefit of preventing accidents and protecting swimmers from life-threatening situations. As long as your lifeguard has the proper training (i.e. certified in CPR, and have the strength and swimming skills necessary), they will know exactly what to do if an emergency arises, and they can also help with pool maintenance tasks to keep the area clean and welcoming. 

In addition, you may want to implement certain rules at your pool, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Enforcing social distancing and occupation limits is easier if you have a lifeguard there to make sure people are following the rules. A lifeguard is seen as an authority figure and people are more likely to respect the regulations you put in place if they know someone is watching them. If you do plan on hiring a lifeguard, always make sure to hire from a certified lifeguard service. This can help to ensure that anyone you hire will have the skills and training necessary to do the job well. 

Potential Liabilities of Hiring a Lifeguard

While lifeguards enhance safety, hiring one can also introduce risks:

• Legal Responsibility
  • Once a lifeguard is on duty, the HOA assumes liability for their performance. If a lifeguard fails to act properly in an emergency, the association could face legal consequences.
• Cost Considerations
  • Hiring trained professionals can be expensive, especially if lifeguard coverage is required during all pool hours.
• State & Local Regulations
  • Lifeguard requirements vary by state. Some states mandate lifeguards based on pool size and usage, while others do not require them at all. 

Check with local authorities and consult an HOA attorney to understand your legal obligations.

What Other Options Are Available?

If you can't hire a lifeguard for your pool, it can still be a smart idea to have a pool monitor on hand. A pool monitor simply keeps an eye on what's happening and can keep the pool clean, help guests find what they need, and enforce rules. Always post rules in a visible place at your pool, i.e. no running, no diving, no rough play, no glass bottles in the area, etc. These rules keep pool guests safe. 

In addition, if you choose to not hire a lifeguard, it's essential to post signs around the pool that inform pool guests that there is no lifeguard on duty, and always have a flotation device near the water so that if a swimmer is in distress, someone can help them quickly. Having clear signs posted at regular intervals around the area can help you avoid litigation if an accident ever did occur in your pool. Keep the gate around the pool locked when it isn't in use, and have your residents sign a waiver every year to make sure that they understand the risks of swimming in a pool not attended by a lifeguard. 

As an HOA or condo association board member, you want to be sure that your residents are safe when they are having fun in the pool. You also need to avoid any legal trouble if something does go wrong. While they aren't always necessary, a properly-trained lifeguard can be a great investment and asset to your community. If you'd like more information about getting the right resources for your HOA, contact us. 

Final Considerations

Deciding whether to hire a lifeguard is a big decision for any HOA or condo association. While a lifeguard provides enhanced safety, it also introduces costs and liabilities. If hiring a lifeguard is not an option, taking preventative measures—such as pool monitors, safety signage, and secure gates—can help keep residents safe while limiting liability risks.

Need professional guidance for your HOA? Contact RealManage for expert community management solutions.