Southern Nevada Health District Appeals Ruling Favoring Las Vegas Gym
The Southern Nevada Health District (SNHD) has filed an appeal with the Nevada Supreme Court following a district court ruling that allows the Las Vegas Athletic Club (LVAC) to operate its pools without staffing lifeguards. The appeal, filed on April 16, challenges a decision made by District Court Judge Timothy Williams, who stated that SNHD’s earlier determination categorized LVAC’s pools as public facilities, counter to state law that requires lifeguards for such settings.
The conflict began after the SNHD revoked LVAC’s waiver for electronic monitoring of its pools, prompted by the tragic drowning of 58-year-old Leticia Triplett at the gym’s North Decatur location in February 2024. While SNHD cited safety concerns, LVAC’s legal team argued that Triplett’s death resulted from a heart attack rather than drowning.
Judge Williams criticized SNHD’s actions, describing them as “arbitrary and capricious.” His ruling, issued on February 25, favored LVAC, allowing them to resume 24-hour access to their pools with electronic monitoring in place.
As the legal battle continues, SNHD has opted not to comment on the ongoing litigation, and efforts to reach LVAC for a statement were unsuccessful.
This case raises significant questions about public safety regulations in fitness facilities and the responsibilities of gyms in ensuring patron safety. The outcome of the appeal may set important precedents regarding health regulations in Nevada.
For further inquiries, contact Emerson Drewes at edrewes@reviewjournal.com, or follow him on X at @EmersonDrewes.
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