Legal Question in Business Law in Michigan

Swimming pools and thunder

In Ann Arbor, Michigan, are there any specific laws about how long the swimmers need to wait after the lifeguard hears thunder or sees lightning, or do the pools themselves decide the policies. If there are specific laws, are these local, state, or federal laws, and where can I find them?


Asked on 5/29/08, 6:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Rod Johnson Law Offices RL Johnson

Re: Swimming pools and thunder

Whether federal, state, or local law controls a facility�s policies turns on the question of ownership. I.e., if it�s private property the private property own can set policies where the law is silent.

For instance, Michigan charges the department of environmental quality with ensuring that the owner or person in charge of a public bathing beach provides and maintains suitable and adequate safety and rescue equipment and suitable and adequate means of communication with outside sources of assistance, which must be available and accessible at the public bathing beach when it is open to bathers. MCL 333.12542.

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Answered on 5/30/08, 1:45 am
Audra Arndt Audra A. Arndt & Associates, PLLC

Re: Swimming pools and thunder

It is likely a law or policy in place by each facility. If it is a private swim club, they would have their own policy. If it was a public state park, then they have to follow state laws, but this is the type of rule where there might not even be a written policy, but more a matter of discretion.

Common sense seems that the rule, if there is one, would be to immediately vacate the pool/water area.

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Answered on 5/31/08, 10:24 pm


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