Many residents of our community, myself included, find ourselves unable to utilize the community pool due to strict scheduling conflicts. Our hours of work, familial obligations, and other engagements do not align with the limited hours during which the pool has a life guard on duty. This amenity that we continuously pay for is denied to us because of circumstances beyond our control. I propose allowing residents access to the community pool without a lifeguard on duty, on the conditions that each user signs a waiver agreeing that the Homeowners Association (HOA) is not responsible for any potential incidents occurring during this unsupervised use.

This is not an unprecedented request. According to the U.S. Lifesaving Association, numerous communities across the nation have adopted similar policies to increase pool accessibility for residents while decreasing the liabilities of the managing body (Rescue 2020). These communities trust their residents to responsibly use their amenities.

Implementing this policy would not only provide a solution to the current access dilemma, but it would also make the most of the resources we, as a community, invest in.

The change I envision is one where everyone has an equal opportunity to enjoy an amenity they financially contribute to – irrespective of their individual schedules. It is about making our community more inclusive. Let's help each other enjoy the comforts we rightfully earn. Sign the petition to make a difference today.