Bill regarding swimming pools is making it’s way through Frankfort

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. – There might be some changes coming to Kentucky pools and just in time for the summer.

News 40 spoke to State Representative Kevin Jackson about House Bill 109, a measure looking to tackle the issue of lifeguards in Kentucky. The bill has made two categories for pools,  a Class A and Class B that have different requirements for staffing.

Class A pools are open to the public and at least 2,000 square feet in area while Class B are more private that not just anyone can access. Jackson said this came about because people were reaching out to him about the health department shutting down pools due to the lack of lifeguards on duty which affected things like high school swim teams.

The bill would require lifeguards for Class A pools at all times because minors without adult supervision could be present along with the vast area of the pool. Class B pools have to have a lifeguard if they have amenities such as slides, wave machines or diving boards. Minors must be accompanied by adults if there is no lifeguard present and legal adults are able to swim when they please.

News 40 also spoke to the Executive Director of the Kentucky Recreation & Park Society about the bill, she said she’s in support of most of it but there are still some things that could be improved. Jackson says it’s a common sense bill and he did not file the bill to pose a danger to swimmers but to pull back on government supervision. In the case of Class B pools, Jackson said if you as an adult pay a membership to be somewhere or are part of a team then you should be able to make the decision to swim without a lifeguard present.

Executive Director Terri Wilkerson tells News 40 that she understands that the state might repeal some requirements but facilities should check with their insurers because many times they do not care what the regulations are. Wilkerson said for the past year she’s been bombarded with people wanting to know how few lifeguards they can get away with and are wanting to have assessments done. The director said she understands that for some places it might be hard to staff but she believes it’s better to pay now than pay later.