Cyprus-Forum.com

[thompson]

Hi
Anyone know if there are any laws governing pool safety
We have recently purchased a house with a pool, the builder asked if is son can use the pool - we said ok.
Touble is as we are not there all the time, he brings is mates in and other kids are using it
We have put a stop to it, with the help of a friend out there - but we don't want to be deconian! - But who would be responsible if say some one drowned in the pool - especially when we are not ther
regards
Kevin

[cannedmoose]

Hi
Anyone know if there are any laws governing pool safety
We have recently purchased a house with a pool, the builder asked if is son can use the pool - we said ok.
Touble is as we are not there all the time, he brings is mates in and other kids are using it
We have put a stop to it, with the help of a friend out there - but we don't want to be deconian! - But who would be responsible if say some one drowned in the pool - especially when we are not ther
regards
Kevin

I believe that if nothing is written into the contract between you and your builder regarding public access to the pool, it's your right to bar them from using what is, at the end of the day, YOUR pool. I'd suggest that you first approach the builder in a friendly way and let him know that his son is abusing the informal agreement you made, that you don't mind his son using it, but it should be his son only, not hoards of his mates. That may well solve the problem, if it doesn't, I'm sure other members of the forum can advise you on the legal route.

[hincyprus]

Hi Kevin,

We had an instance of this recently which concerned a pool used for a communal development.

In this case the tenants through their management committee are totally responsible for persons using the pool and have to have insurance to cover any accidents. There was also a legal requirement to display various signs re diving, etc etc. What was not clear and remains unanswered at this time is whether they also needed a "lifeguard on duty".

uuuuuum......

The pool area had to be accessible only to residents and guests by means of locked gates and is surrounded by a high fence.

In the case of a private pool, then the responsibility for use of the pool seems to lie with the owner. In theory, even if you allowed say, your brother to use your pool and he dived in and broke his neck, you will be the responsible party if he was able to prove negligence on your part.

ie, the deepest part of the pool is only 1 metre and there were no signs to indicate that there was no diving allowed.

Therefore we must read that if you are allowing all and sundry to use the pool you will be responsible should something untoward happen.

You therefore have three choices......Take a chance, insure against all risks re use of the pool or stop all usage to none family members.

It is worth noting that at this time the law is actually very sketchy here in Cyprus re swimming pools.

The best advice therefore is consult your lawyer and take action. Until it is resolved don't allow any further use of the pool.

The American syndrom for damages claims has already arrived here so take measures now....you just never know. Just think how easy it is to slip on a wet tile !! Even more dangerous when you are not here for false claims to head your way.

H

[cannedmoose]

Good advice H