Safety issues are not ignored when a swimming pool is opened to the public. Accidents however do occur even though the most detailed safety precautions have been taken.
Lifeguards have to present their certificate to the public however this does not mean that they have a lot of real life experience. There are more dangers at a public pool than just the threat of drowning.
The people who run the pool should ensure that the area around the pool is safe as well as the water itself. Most people will have bare feet and if there are loose tiles, sharp edges or uneven surfaces you could be at the end of an accident claim.