I started thinkng about this after swimming this morning at ASU and once again seeing that the 3 guards on duty were not in any of the chairs but instead were in the office texting and playing on duty.
So what happens if God forbid a swimmer is injured or dies in workout (I guess even if the guard is on duty)...can they sue the coach?
I know USMS has an insurance program for clubs and being to lazy wonder is anyone knows if it covers this?
I also wonder how many paidand/or volunteer coaches have any type of contract for this sort of thing?
It is a very good question Paul. I wonder this myself many times when I'm swimming and coaching. I guess what needs to proved during a suit is if the coach was negligent in anyway in their duties coaching the athlete. Did the coach fail to provide a safe environment? Is it the coaches duty to watch the pool and save the athlete? Are the guards responsible for this? There are so many things a lawyer would look into to find out how and the drowning/accident happened. I would say in your situation with the guards texting and not watching the pool, they would be found negligent in their duties. I would think if the coach was acting with in his/her score of duties and made a fair attempt to rescue said victim they would be help harmless.
I would love to hear more people chime in on this...
It is a very good question Paul. I wonder this myself many times when I'm swimming and coaching. I guess what needs to proved during a suit is if the coach was negligent in anyway in their duties coaching the athlete. Did the coach fail to provide a safe environment? Is it the coaches duty to watch the pool and save the athlete? Are the guards responsible for this? There are so many things a lawyer would look into to find out how and the drowning/accident happened. I would say in your situation with the guards texting and not watching the pool, they would be found negligent in their duties. I would think if the coach was acting with in his/her score of duties and made a fair attempt to rescue said victim they would be help harmless.
I would love to hear more people chime in on this...
