Florida state representative rails against bill requiring handicap-accessible swimming pools

[progressivebydesign]

45. this isn't as black and white as it seems.

there are similar laws proposed in other States, or about to take effect.

While no one wants to limit access to anyone, regardless of their abilities, these laws are often over-reaching. Many public pools have facilities that will accommodate people who need help getting into the pool. But to require every private pool to have expensive equipment, that actually makes the pool more dangerous for others, is not the best way to handle this.

These type of laws will actually lessen the availability of pools for all people, as clubs, cities, apartments, will simple drain the pools rather than comply. Permanent lifts are not cheap, and pose a hazard to other swimmers around the pool.

I would rather see funding to create more accessible pools in public places, the same as buses have lifts.. but no one requires taxis or shuttles to have them in the private industry.