New Laws Regarding Public Pools - does your club own or operate one?
by Mike Rind, Chair, Risk Management Committee

A new law became effective on December 20, 2008, requiring owners of pools and spas used by the public to incorporate new safety features to help ensure that drains and suction outlets be covered in such a way as to prevent young children (and others) from drowning. Very specific requirements are imposed on anyone who owns or operates a public pool or spa. (See attached CPSC Guide to complying with the law).

In the October ebuilder, we alerted clubs that this law was about to become effective. There was little response, leading us to believe that few, if any, clubs in our District actually own pools used by the public. However, many clubs may work with local pools or Boys and Girls Clubs to give children an opportunity to swim during the hot summer months. Owners of all such pools or spas should be notified of this change, to ensure full compliance. To learn whether your public pool or spa complies, please review the attached summary of compliance requirements. Note that, if anyone has a pool that is not now open, you have until the pool is actually opened to ensure full compliance.

Kiwanis International has concluded that it is so important that these legal requirements be met that any accident that occurs when a Kiwanis Club or District owns or operates a pool that does not meet these standards will NOT be covered by the Kiwanis Policy of General Liability Insurance.

For further details, see the attached Frequently Asked Questions provided by the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals. If you have any additional questions, please contact Mike Rind, the Capital District's Risk Manager, at 410 294 9423 or mrind@comcast.net.