Court of Appeal Orders Sunway Putra Hotel to Pay Over RM350,000 in Damages for Tourist's Drowning Incident
Five-star hotel found Chinese Man’s Pool Drowning
The Court of Appeal (CoA) recently held Sunway Putra Hotel in Kuala Lumpur accountable for the death of Qi Xiangqing, a 22-year-old Chinese national who drowned at the hotel’s swimming pool in 2017. Qi’s parents, Qi Qiaoxian and Wang Bin, were awarded over RM350,000 in damages after the CoA reversed the decisions of the Sessions and High Courts.
Justice Datuk Wong Kian Kheong, along with Justices Datuk Supang Lian and Datuk Azimah Omar, found the hotel had breached its duty of care by failing to ensure the presence of a certified lifeguard and proper CCTV monitoring. The hotel was directed to pay compensation for various expenses, including funeral costs and loss of support to the parents.
The CoA deemed a dinner meeting between the hotel’s top management and Qi’s parents, where a settlement was proposed, as evidence of the hotel’s admission of negligence. This decision emphasizes the importance of hotel operators maintaining safety measures, such as lifeguards and CCTV monitoring, to prevent future incidents.
Recent news from Kuala Lumpur highlights the critical importance of having lifeguards at hotel pools. A tragic drowning at Sunway Putra Hotel’s pool led the Court of Appeal (CoA) to hold the hotel accountable and order damages of over RM350,000 to the deceased’s parents. This underscores the necessity of lifeguards in safeguarding swimmers.
1. Lifeguards Save Lives:
Lifeguards can quickly recognize distress and perform rescues, making their presence vital in emergencies.
2. Constant Surveillance:
Lifeguards maintain watch over the pool, providing immediate response and preventing potential dangers.
3. Preventing Accidents:
By educating guests on safety rules, lifeguards help avoid incidents and maintain a safe pool environment.
4. Providing Peace of Mind:
Guests and staff feel more secure knowing trained professionals are on duty to oversee pool safety.
5. Legal and Ethical Responsibility:
Hotels must prioritize guest safety to avoid legal liabilities and fulfill ethical duties.
6. Enhancing the Guest Experience:
A safe pool environment with lifeguards on duty improves guest satisfaction and trust.
Conclusion
Hotels should invest in certified lifeguards to ensure safety and avoid legal repercussions. Lifeguards provide essential protection for guests and contribute to a better pool experience. Let’s prioritize safety at all hotel pools.
Relax and unwind by the pool – we’ve got safety covered, giving peace of mind to hotel owners while we take care of their safety. This allows them to focus on their core business, ensuring a memorable and worry-free stay for their guests.”
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