Does the pool have lifeguards or attendants on duty?
No. There are never lifeguards or attendants on duty. You swim at your own risk at all times, and children age 17 and under are never permitted at the pool without an adult present.
Is smoking permitted at the pool?
Due to St. Louis County Health Department regulations for what are considered public water recreation facilities, smoking within the pool area is prohibited. You will need to step outside of the pool area to smoke.
The county classifies condominium swimming pools as public water recreation facilities. The fact that condominiums are technically a private entity is a matter of semantics, and does not relieve us of the requirement to have this prohibition in place.
I noticed there are surveillance cameras over the pool. Why is this done, and is this legal, when people are swimming in a state of undress?
We understand this concern.
First, yes, it is legal. Common areas of condominiums can be put under surveillance so long as there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. Despite the state of undress one must be in for swimming, the pool is outdoors, which by definition is an environment for which there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. This issue has been thoroughly researched and opined on by the association’s attorney before the cameras were installed.
Unfortunately, misbehavior is more likely to occur at the pool than any other amenity or common area in the community. With the ability to monitor and verify activities, the association is able to enforce its pool rules and levy proper actions against those who violate the rules, which can range from fines to revocation of pool privileges. This ensures a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone.
Access to the cameras is restricted to management, board and committee members, and footage is only retained past 30 days in the event of an incident.