As four of these signs (and a Public Safety officer) can attest to, apparently swimming in the Wilson School fountain is expressly forbidden, at the dire threat of removal from the area (by the aforementioned Public Safety officer, no doubt). According to this
sign, both wading and dog bathing are also prohibited, although visitors are allowed to “dip their toes” and “enjoy the beautiful surroundings.” The sign doesn’t clarify, so who knows where the fine line between toe-dipping and wading lies? (Maybe when no parts of the body are touching the fountain except the feet?) It’s also unknown what stimulated the University to start to crack down on fountain use, and if this is really the best use of a Public Safety officer’s time.
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While I have enjoyed more than one frolic in the Wilson pool, such activities are a Liability Lawyer's Nightmare. No lifeguard or safety supervision. Potential for Slip and Fall accidents. Untreated water could be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria (esp. if animals use the same water).
As many of your classmates will learn when in law school, the pool constitutes what is lovingly known as a "tort farm," and since Princeton and the Wilson School have very deep pockets, the signs are undoubtedly an attempt to provide "informed risk" and reduce liability somewhat.
It's like those caution labels on every ladder that is sold these days. Won't keep some fool from doing a precarious pirouette on the top-- but will reduce the damage award.
Is Public Safety really going to remove seniors celebrating their thesis and little babies?
A lot of little children are usually brought to the fountain by their parents. In the unfortunate case that a child should drown (these children are very little), the University understandably does not want to be liable since there is no lifeguard present.
princeton university has neither real courage nor real foresight with regard to ANYTHING.
If the University is (understandably) so worried about a law suit, they should do what the ladder companies do...put up a bunch of signs saying you enter at your own risk and the University is not responsible for injury, etc. Then people can go in if they want, a treasured town-gown tradition is maintained, and the school administrators can sleep at night. The ladder company doesn't put a label on that says "don't use this ladder," it just says use with caution and it's your own risk.
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