Trespassing in Pools When You're an Adult

On these hot summer days, swimming can be one of the best ways to escape the heat. Jumping into the pool isn't only fun for kids – adults like to join in too. But sometimes teenagers and adults feel the urge to seek more excitement. Some of these thrill seekers get their excitement from pool hopping.

Pool hopping is using a public or private swimming pool that doesn't belong to you without the owner's knowledge – which is trespassing. To some, this may seem like a thrilling activity, but it is also potentially dangerous and, not to mention, illegal.

Who is Responsible When Trespassers Are Injured?

Pool hopping can potentially lead to serious injury. Since it is most often done in the dark and on unfamiliar property, pool hoppers face the risk of slipping and falling, drowning, and more. Typically, when trespassers are injured, landowners are not held liable for their injuries. Most often, pool hopping is done by adults who are aware of what they are doing and the risk of injury.

If you are injured while trespassing on someone's property, you will likely be responsible for not only your own injuries, but also the legal consequences of trespassing. This could be different if the trespasser is a child. Since a pool is considered an attractive nuisance, the landowner may be held liable for injuries to children who are unable to appreciate the risks associated with a pool.

Tips to Avoid a Pool Hopping Accident

We know that you aren't always able to control the actions of others, but as a pool owner, there are some things that you can do to help prevent accidents from happening on your property. Here are a few things that you can do to keep trespassers off of your property:

• Enclose the pool on all sides with a four-foot or taller self-locking, self-closing fence with vertical bars. Openings in the fence should be no more than four inches wide.
• Never leave furniture near a fence that could make climbing over the fence possible.
• Maintain pool covers in good working condition.
• Consider installing pool and gate alarms to alert you when someone approaches.
• Install a motion sensor or motion activated lights.

Enjoy Safe and Responsible Summer Activities

We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and take advantage of the warm weather. Want to go swimming? When choosing a pool, keep it legal. And of course, keep these swimming safety tips in mind as well.

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