Public Health - Semipublic Pools - Lifeguards
If enacted, SB139 reinforces safety protocols in facilities with semipublic pools by requiring additional staffing for oversight. This legislation aims to safeguard individuals using these pools from potential accidents by ensuring that trained personnel are present to respond to emergencies. The introduction of lifeguard requirements will likely lead to an increase in operational costs for pool owners who may need to hire additional staff, which could vary depending on the facility's size and pool usage.
Senate Bill 139 introduces new requirements for owners of semipublic pools in Maryland, specifically focusing on lifeguard staffing obligations. The bill outlines the definition of semipublic pools, which typically include facilities like hotels, motels, campgrounds, and health clubs that restrict pool access to guests or members. It mandates that outdoor semipublic pools must have at least one lifeguard on duty during operating hours when individuals are present in the water, ensuring safety for users beyond a certain threshold of individuals in the pool.
While the bill is largely intended to enhance public safety, it has raised some concerns among facility owners regarding the financial implications of hiring lifeguards. Opponents argue that the new requirements could impose unreasonable financial burdens on small businesses, particularly those operating smaller pools in bed-and-breakfast-style establishments. Proponents of the bill maintain that the benefits of increased safety for pool users outweigh these concerns and that adequate staffing will lead to fewer incidents and liabilities for the facilities.