Water splashing, children’s excited screams, steam rising off the concrete, the sounds and scenes of summer at the pool are almost here once again. As property owner associations (POAs) prepare for another summer of fun, there are decisions POAs will have to make as the threat of COVID-19 continues to persist. First among the decisions, will association pools be monitored by lifeguards, or will the pools be swim at your own risk (SAYOR) only? Before a POA makes this decision, it is helpful to understand what a SAYOR pool means and the pluses and minuses for the POA if choosing to go to with SAYOR only pools.
SAYOR is an acronym meaning Swim-At-Your-Own-Risk. What does this mean exactly? This means anyone choosing to use the pool will do so without the presence of a trained lifeguard or staff monitoring pool activities. The responsibility for safety while using the pool is up to each individual should they choose to get into the water. For the POA, there can be several benefits to choosing to make their pools SAYOR for the 2022 pool season.
SAYOR Pluses
- Fewer expenses to POA due to lack of lifeguard vendor
- POAs with multiple pools can have a lifeguard option at one pool and an unmonitored option at another
- Options to only contract with lifeguard on some days and keep the pool open on others without monitoring
But, before rushing to the SAYOR end of the pool, POAs should be cautious. Choosing to make a pool or pools SAYOR only, does not come without its risks.
SAYOR Minuses
- Potential increase in exposure/duty to provide for the POA
- Potential increase for an accident, injury or drowning
- Risk transfer to lifeguard vendor not available
- Legal requirements in some municipalities that do not allow for SAYOR pools
- Issues that can arise from non-lifeguard staff at the pool during open hours
Each POA is different. The managers and board members for individual POAs should consider these pluses and minuses in relation to the needs of their POA before making a decision on how best to approach the 2022 pool season in regard to choosing to make a pool SAYOR or not.
To learn more about preparing for the 2022 pool season, join Shareholders Marc Markel and Eric Tonsul for a webinar on March 8. Marc and Eric will guide attendees through the lessons we have learned from COVID, pool insurance coverage and claims, indemnity for vendors and more. Register for the webinar today by visiting [insert link.]
