Should Cruise Ships Have Lifeguards?

I was on the Veendam this Saturday & they recently pulled out the Deck 10 Aft Pool and replaced it with balcony cabins.

Maybe Disney has done this due to the higher amount of children on board. Also, maybe that's what their customer base has been requesting. I've done the Disney cruise and there are a lot of children. Many are on their own with other children. However, on regular ships---I don't know. Even though, the cruise ship and itineraries are the same year in and year out. I think the culture of the passengers for the particular sailing set the stage for what kind of stuff is needed. One sailing may have done better with life guards and the next not so much.

I agree with everyone else who said it's the parents who should be watching their children in the pools. Have there been many instances of drownings or situations that require lifeguards?

The line of the article that stands out is

Cruise lines are protected by a 1920 law, known as the Death on the High Seas Act, that exempts them from nearly all financial responsibility in the death of a non-wage earner, such as a child or retiree.

Just read this in the Miami Herald:

"After drownings in cruise ship pools, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean add lifeguards."

Along with Disney that makes three. I'm sure other cruise lines will be following.

My guess is that they wanted to solidify their market segment preference.

Now Carnival is eliminating Adult Only pools.

NOPE

I'm betting you haven't changed your opinion.

Yes, in a way but we as parents still need to monitor our kids.