High chlorine levels sickens dozens at public pool

In our last post, we highlighted the dangers that young children, and some adults alike, face when at the water park or at someone’s backyard pool. Essentially, people who are not strong swimmers could be in distress and supervisory people may not even know it. And to avoid a tragedy, homeowners and park personnel both have a duty to use reasonable care in making sure a person does not drown.

However, drownings are not the only concerns facing water parks, public pools are even some homeowners. The chemical balance in the water must strong enough to ward off algae and other germs, but the chlorine must not be harmful to patrons. According to an ABC News.com report, more than 40 people were sickened at a northern California public pool.

The victims, mostly children were likely exposed to high levels of sodium hypochlorite, a form of chlorine that is used to treat swimming pools. Officials investigating the incident reported that 17 people were taken to the hospital and were later released. 23 other people were treated onsite.

Officials conceded that every few years, an exposure like this happens. Even though the situation occurred in California as opposed to New York, the duty to use reasonable care in maintaining a pool does not change. Those in charge of maintaining safe chemical levels could be held liable for not using such care. If this happens, those injured may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and inconveniences.

If you have additional questions about premises liability, an experienced personal injury attorney can help.