Understanding Premises Liability for Summer 2025
It’s summer in Dallas and that means it will be hot. A refreshing dip in one of the public pools in the DFW Metroplex can be just the thing. But public swimming pools can be dangerous, too, particularly for small children and people with marginal swimming skills. Defective pool equipment can also increase the risk of drowning in a public pool.
What are the basic safety laws that govern swimming pools in Dallas and the metropolitan area? What are the common causes of drownings in public pools in the DFW Metroplex? What are your legal remedies when a loved one has drowned in a public pool in the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Public Pool Safety Laws in Texas
By law in Texas, any public swimming area must meet certain minimum requirements:
- The entire pool must be enclosed within a fence that is a minimum of four feet tall.
- There cannot be any gaps in the fencing that are over four inches wide.
- Any gates going into the pool must be at least four feet tall and should open out from the pool. They must also close and latch automatically. The lock may have a combination lock, padlock, keypad, or keycard, and the latch must be out of the reach of a child.
- The fence may not be constructed of any material that can be climbed, such as chain link.
- All drains in the pool must meet certain minimum standards to prevent suction-type accidents.
The pool must be inspected every day, and safety checks must be completed three times during hours of operation.
Common Causes of Drowning Accidents at Public Pools in the DFW Metroplex
Drowning accidents at public pools are most frequently tied to:
- Improper or faulty safety measures, such as poor lighting, defective or improper fencing/gates, missing or inaccurate signage (specifically depth markers), and dangerous or defective drains
- Failure to provide proper supervision or monitoring, such as the absence of a trained or skilled lifeguard
- Failure to determine swimming skill levels and allowing people to swim who lack the necessary skills to do so safely
Legal Steps To Take After a Drowning Accident at a Public Pool in Dallas-Fort Worth
When it appears that someone has drowned in a public pool, the first thing you should do is call 9-1-1. You want medical personnel to come to the scene and make a determination of death.
In addition, you should take steps to document exactly what happened. Identify all potential witnesses and ask them what they saw. Get their contact information, if possible. Take time to write down an account of everything you personally observed, and note the time and location of the accident. As soon as practicable after the drowning, contact an experienced personal injury attorney who can guide you through the legal process.
Contact the Proven Premises Liability Lawyers at Bailey & Galyen
At the law offices of Bailey & Galyen, we have aggressively protected the rights of people who have suffered loss in the DFW Metroplex and across Texas for more than 40 years, including family members who have had a loved one drown at a public pool. We have a proven record of positive results for victims of personal injury, and we know how to assess your claim and take the necessary steps to help you get full and fair compensation for your losses.
Over the past four decades, we have recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury clients. We know how to effectively investigate and litigate a public pool injury claim in the DFW Metroplex. Contact us by e-mail or call our offices. Our phones are answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.