No Lifeguard on Duty: Can I File a Drowning Lawsuit in South Carolina

If your loved one drowned in South Carolina, you might be intent on pursuing justice. You might be particularly motivated to ensure accountability if there was no lifeguard on duty at the time of the incident. What are the laws regarding lifeguards in South Carolina? When can you sue a property owner or business for failing to provide lifeguards? These are questions you might want to raise with a wrongful death attorney in South Carolina.

What Are the Lifeguard Laws in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina law, a lifeguard is someone who has the necessary qualifications to act as such. These qualifications might include the American Red Cross or YMCA lifeguard certification. Lifeguards must also possess current First Aid Certificates and current CPR Certificates.

Certain laws in South Carolina also state that in a public indoor pool, waterslides may only be in use when lifeguards are present. Indoor pools must also have a certain number of lifeguard chairs depending on the size of the pool. These chairs must be strategically located in a way that provides lifeguards with maximum vision over the pool. Some lifeguard chairs should be elevated, allowing for a greater line of sight over the entire pool.

Perhaps the most important lifeguard law is simple: Type “A” and “E” indoor public pools must have at least one lifeguard on duty during operating hours. Another important rule is that lifeguards cannot be distracted by any other duty. This also extends to public beaches. In the past, certain deaths were connected to distracted lifeguards who were trying to rent out umbrellas and other beach items rather than supervising swimmers.

The number of necessary lifeguards depends on the square footage of the pool. Bigger pools might need seven or more lifeguards on duty at all times. The number of required lifeguards also depends on the number of swimmers or “patrons” on the premises. If hundreds of people visit the pool, dozens of lifeguards may be required.

The Importance of “No Lifeguard on Duty Signs”

Certain South Carolina laws also state that an indoor public pool must post a “no lifeguard on duty” sign if there is no qualified individual to supervise swimmers. These signs must also include the words “swim at your own risk.” If this sign was not present when your drowning incident occurred, you may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Contact an experienced lawyer for further information.

Can a Drowning Lawyer in South Carolina Help Me?

If you want to file a drowning lawsuit in South Carolina, consider working with a wrongful death attorney. Your lawyer can assess your situation and determine the most optimal pathway toward compensation and justice. Your lawyer can also determine whether the defendant should have assigned lifeguards to the area before the incident. Learn more by contacting Mickelsen & Dalton, LLC today.

Sources: 

aol.com/columbia-man-dies-drowning-lake-174332338.html

wpde.com/news/local/the-town-is-saddened-mayor-urges-caution-after-drowning-in-pawleys-island-georgetown-county-south-carolina-east-coast-alertness-victim-high-surf

des.sc.gov/sites/des/files/Library/Regulations/R.61-51.pdf