Dallas Code compliance inspectors have fanned out across the city to look at equipment around pools at apartment complexes. May is "National Water Safety Month," and code compliance officers say they focus on inspections now as people get ready to use pools over the summer.
"That's the point of this is education," said Dallas Code Compliance's Nilandra Canyon. "We try to practice it throughout the year, not just during swim season."
Dallas Code Compliance says officers focus on five items: water clarity, a fence enclosure, an operable emergency phone near the pool, a buoy with a throwing rope attached, and a shepherd's crook with an attached 12 foot pole.
"I would like to see it attached. I don't want to see it unattached because if it's unattached, it's going to take you too long to rescue someone, to get this attached to that pole and then get out there," Canyon said, saying most places have the buoy and shepherd's crook unattached.
She says water clarity is also important to ensure the water is safe but also so people on the side of the pool can see if a swimmer starts having trouble.
"Water clarity's important so if you do fall in the pool, we'll know you're in there," Canyon said. "So, hopefully, you can be rescued in a timely manner."
Canyon says the goal of the inspections is not to punish complexes that are not in compliance but answer questions and ensure complexes have the information they need to meet requirements.
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