Chicago Pool & Water Park Accident Attorneys

Our team might be able to access safety records and inspection reports from the water park to see if there are any unacceptable lapses with important safety protocols, such as:

• Regular maintenance and inspection of rides and water features.
• Clearly marked signs indicating potential hazards or safety instructions.
• Adequate staffing of qualified, certified lifeguards.
• Proper training for all staff members in emergency response and customer safety.
• Safe and sanitary water conditions to avoid health issues like infections or rashes.
• Management of crowds to prevent overcrowding or accidents on rides.

Swimming Pool Accident Claims in Chicago

You might be justified in filing a swimming pool accident claim when negligence on the part of the property owner, operator, or swimming pool staff leads to an accident resulting in your injury. Examples of negligence include poorly maintained pool facilities, lack of proper safety equipment, inadequate supervision, or failure to post clear warnings about potential hazards like slippery surfaces or dangerous depths. If you were hurt at a swimming pool that was not part of a larger water park, you can still depend on Hilliard Law to see if you can file a claim in pursuit of justice and compensation.

We can handle injury claims involving accidents at all types of pools, such as: 

• Hotel pools
• Resort pools
• Public community pools
• Fitness center or gym pools
• Apartment or condominium complex pools
• School or university pools
• Private club or country club pools

Illinois Safety Requirements for Public Swimming Pools

Most public swimming pools in Illinois are required to meet these safety requirements:

• At least one posted sign that marks the maximum acceptable occupancy for the pool.
• At least one posted sign that explains when there is no lifeguard on duty and that states no children under the age of 16 may swim in the pool without adult supervision.
• At least one posted sign near each entrance to the pool, dressing rooms, locker rooms, and other facilities that explains the basic pool rules and safety regulations.
• Fence around the pool that is at least 4 feet high, has self-closing/latching and locking gates, has no footing to allow for climbing, has no more than a 4-inch vertical gap between the bottom of the fence and the ground, and has no gaps along the fence that are greater than 4-inches wide.

What is the 10/20 Lifeguard Response Rule?

To keep swimmers safe, it is generally accepted that lifeguards and the companies that employ them should follow the 10/20 lifeguard response rule, which states:

• Lifeguards should be able to respond to a distressed swimmer within 10 seconds.
• Lifeguards should be able to reach a distressed swimmer within 20 seconds.
• No pool patron or swimmer should be in active danger for more than 30 seconds.

Under the mandates of this widely accepted pool safety rule, pools should be staffed with lifeguards based on how many swimmers are in the pool. If there are more swimmers than usual, there should be more lifeguards posted than usual, so the 10-second response time stays intact. If a property that maintains a pool does not take reasonable steps to adhere to the 10/20 lifeguard response rule and someone is injured in that pool, it could be an indicator that the property manager has acted negligently and should be held liable through an injury claim.

Want to File a Water Park or Pool Injury Claim? Call Now

Since 1985, Hilliard Law has been representing people who have suffered serious injuries and tragedies caused by the negligence of others. Reach out to our pool and water park accident attorneys, serving clients throughout Chicago, Illinois. We are here to explain your rights and options, and, of course, we are here to fight for you.

Ask about our contingency fees when you call  to get a free initial case review!