Cruise Ship Deck Burn Injuries: When a Pool Deck Becomes Dangerously Hot

Passengers naturally expect to walk barefoot around a cruise ship’s pools, hot tubs, and water attractions. Unfortunately, a surface designed to prevent slips may present a different danger when it is exposed to hours of direct sunlight.

Many cruise ships use synthetic decking systems manufactured by Bolidt and API S.p.A, including products sold under the Bolideck® and API names. These materials are installed on outdoor decks, pool areas, balconies, jogging tracks, and other heavily traveled spaces. Bolidt and API S.p.A promote several of their systems for their slip-resistant, weather-resistant, and durable properties.

However, passengers can still suffer thermal burns if a deck’s surface becomes excessively hot. A person may leave their shoes beside a lounge chair, enter the pool, and later have no practical way to return without crossing the exposed deck barefoot. What appears to be a routine walk of only a few feet could result in blistering, tissue damage, and severe pain.

Why Synthetic Decking Becomes a Burn Hazard

Outdoor cruise decks may remain under direct sunlight for much of the day, particularly during Caribbean, Mediterranean, and other warm-weather sailings. Heat can build on an uncovered surface even when the surrounding air feels tolerable because of wind or an ocean breeze.

Passengers may not receive any visible indication that the surface is dangerously hot. The deck may look completely normal, and its slip-resistant texture may even make it appear especially safe for barefoot use. Cruise lines may be able to reduce the danger by:

• Posting clear warnings in affected areas
• Providing shaded walking routes
• Installing mats or cooler pathways near pools
• Monitoring deck surface temperatures
• Cooling excessively hot areas
• Reminding passengers to wear protective footwear
• Restricting access when a surface presents an immediate burn risk

Whether particular precautions were reasonable will depend on the ship, the weather, the location of the decking, previous complaints, and what the cruise line knew about the condition.

Some Passengers Face Greater Risks

Hot-deck injuries can affect anyone, but certain passengers may be particularly vulnerable.

For example, peripheral neuropathy can cause numbness or reduced sensation in the feet. Someone with diminished sensation may not immediately recognize that the surface beneath them is causing tissue damage, allowing the exposure to continue longer. Medical research has found that neuropathy can prolong heat exposure and contribute to significant, complicated burn injuries.

Cruise passengers with diabetes are also at risk of being injured from these dangerously hot decks. Diabetes can damage nerves and reduce blood flow to the feet. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these complications can make wounds harder to detect, more likely to become infected, and more difficult to heal. In severe cases, complications involving a diabetic foot wound can lead to amputation.

Older adults and passengers with mobility limitations may face additional danger because they cannot quickly step away, run toward shade, or balance on one foot while attempting to escape the hot surface.

The Lasting Impact of Cruise Ship Foot Burns

A contact burn occurs when skin touches a heated surface, including outdoor pavement or decking. Depending on the temperature and length of exposure, the injury may damage only the outer skin or extend into deeper tissue. Possible consequences may include:

• Painful redness and swelling
• Blisters and peeling skin
• Second- or third-degree burns
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Scarring
• Surgery, skin grafting, or rehabilitation

Burns involving the feet should be taken seriously because they can interfere with mobility and may be prone to complications. The American Burn Association (ABA) recommends professional evaluation for burns affecting critical areas such as the feet.

When Could a Cruise Line Be Responsible?

Cruise lines are not automatically responsible whenever a passenger is injured. Under maritime law, however, ship operators owe passengers a duty to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances.

Liability may depend on whether the cruise line knew or should have known that the deck presented a dangerous heat risk. Prior passenger burns, repeated complaints, crew observations, temperature measurements, existing warnings, or earlier efforts to cool the surface could help establish that the cruise line had notice of the problem.

An investigation may also examine whether the cruise line selected an inappropriate material, failed to monitor known hot spots, or directed passengers through an area that could not be crossed safely without shoes.

What Should You Do After Burning Your Feet on a Cruise?

Seek medical attention immediately, report the incident to ship personnel, and request a copy of the incident report. Photograph the deck, the surrounding area, the absence or presence of warnings, and the progression of your injuries. Preserve your shoes, cruise documents, medical records, receipts, and the names of any witnesses.

You should also speak with an attorney promptly. Federal law permits passenger contracts for many seagoing vessels to require written notice of an injury within six months and a lawsuit within one year, meaning cruise cases may have much shorter deadlines than other injury claims.

Burned on a Cruise Ship? Morgan & Morgan May Be Able to Help

A cruise line should not invite passengers to enjoy a pool area while exposing them to an unmarked surface capable of causing serious burns.

If you or a loved one suffered a burn injury on a cruise ship deck, Morgan & Morgan may be able to investigate what happened, preserve important evidence, and determine whether the cruise line failed to protect its passengers.

Contact us today for a free case evaluation. With the Fee Is Free™ guarantee, you pay nothing unless we win your case.