HTM 411 Ch. 6 (Negligence and Hospitality Practices)

Name four causes of swimming-pool accidents and state how each could be avoided.

• Cloudy water • Safety equipment • Lifeguard or sign stating the you are swimming are your own risk • Diving board and slides • Crowds • Rowdy activities • Hazards in the pools • Ladders or steps used to enter or leave the pool • Glass in pool area • Chemical level

What is a hotel responsibility for jogging paths not on the property?

• If you only provide a map and do not maintain the path then you are generally not liable.

What are hotel responsibilities in relation to public beaches? Be sure and know the majority and minority positions.

• Majority of the states o You generally have no responsibility to warn guests of hazard related to the ocean unless you have done something to aggravate the hazards. • Minority of the states o You have a responsibility to warn guest of hazards if you can reasonably foresee that guests will visit the off-premises facilities (beach). • Beachfront Properties o If a hotel provides items for guests to use then they have a responsibility to protect the guests or others from injuries related to those items. o If a hotel invites guests to swim in a particular location then the hotel must make sure that the area is safe.

What are the concerns with outdoor lighting?

• Must provide sufficient lighting so the guests can safely navigate your property. • Light must be positioned so that they do not present a hazard o Cause impaired vision o Create a bumping or tripping hazard • Not all paths need to be lighted if there is a lighted path available that will take a guest where he/she needs to go.

What areas of your grounds should you pay particular attention to as they relate to guest safety?

• Walkways • Visibility • Holes • Changes in elevation • Ramps and stairs • Drain grates

What are a hotel's duties in regards to protecting guest from injuries caused by fires?

• You must comply with all statutory safety requirements. • You must ensure that all staff are properly trained how to respond to a fire. • If the fire was a result of negligence then you may be liable for damage done to adjoining structures • Firefighter's Rule: hotels are not liable for injuries sustained by firefighters responding to a call even if the result of the fires was negligence. • In certain cases the negligence related to a fire can result in criminal charges being filed.