Swimming Pool Liability

Staying Afloat!

It's summer time! For those of you with backyard pools, it is a busy time. Neighbors and kids come out of the woodwork to befriend you! But are you protected against accidents in that refreshing pool?
   We have all heard the horror stories of children getting hurt, or drowning in pools. In most cases, there was adult supervision. But the unthinkable still happened. What about when teens or adults get a little careless and run (oh!) and slip and fall? concussions and broken bones are sure to result.
   Are you covered? Yes, if you have a good Homeowner's policy in place. Your Homeowner's policy should carry Personal Liability protection. You can get different amounts of protection for different pricing. I suggest you review your coverage immediately with your Insurance agent. (or my agency, if you don't like your current agent!) 
   Many carriers will not insure homes with pools that have slides or diving boards. I don't know of a carrier who will insure a pool owner who's pool isn't fenced. Statistics have shown the rate of accidents in homes with pools is very high. And these days, where there is an accident, a lawsuit is sure to follow. Your Liability coverage will protect you. It will cover claims or lawsuits against your for bodily injury caused by an accident on your property (in this case in your pool). 
   But you must have safety precautions in place. If there is negligence on your part, the claim can be denied and you would be responsible for the payment, not your insurance company. 
Common Pool Safety tips include:
* Children must be supervised at all times. Drowning can happen in a few seconds. 
*Before allowing anyone in the pool, make sure there are no objects in or around the pool that could hinder their safety. Look for fallen tree branches or pool toys.
*Keep electrical devices away from the edge of the pool. 
*Evacuate the pool at the first sign of a storm. (especially if there is lightning!)
*Know the experience level of your swimmers. Who may need special supervision, who is allowed out of the shallow end...
*Extra supervision should be given to swimmers who are diving- off the edge or a diving board.
Maintaining a safe pool area can save you money and, more importantly, anguish over an accident. 
  
 Sometimes I have customers who insist on cutting insurance costs by lowering their Liability coverage. If they have a pool, I won't do it. That $50 you may save in premium could cost you $100,000, $200,000 or even more if there is an accident in your pool. I also suggest looking into a Personal Umbrella Policy for homeowners with swimming pools. An umbrella policy is extra Liability above and beyond the Personal Liability of a Homeowner's policy.  Again, it may cost you a little more money, but it could save you so much more in the case of an accident. 
   Insurance is there to protect you when something terrible happens. Look at it as protecti on, not an expense. Make sure you have enough Liability protection so you can enjoy your pool this summer with a little less worry.