Anybody who has tried to comply with the National Electrical Code should sympathize with the difficulty. It is a very different thing to build a pool lift and install one that can deal with every kind of disability. Moreover, I truly do not understand why a physically capable lifeguard would not qualify as a "pool lift" as that might actually be better for dealing with the variety of disabilities presented, with the exception of morbid obesity. Can you imagine the lift capable of dealing with a 600 pound person?
Sorry, didn’t read your last sentence. But your post brings up another question. Some disabled people might require special handling - say someone with brittle bone disease. Granted saving them from drowning takes priority over worrying about a broken bone - but are the facilities now going to have to pay for lifeguards to receive training in how to recognize different medical conditions and how to handle them?
Our local Veterans Club installed an elevator at great expense, the repair guys are out a couple of times a week, some covered by warranty some not. The point is it is almost more dangerous, then not having one. (door opening when the lift is at the bottom)