N.J. proposes hot tub ban for children

The leader of the New Jersey Senate is proposing a ban of the use hot tubs by kids at hotels, health clubs, resorts, and other commercial establishments.

Senate President Steve Sweeney says the ban would apply to anyone under the age of 17. He decided to sponsor the legislation after talking to a couple of cardiologists who told him the water temperature in hot tubs is a heath risk for kids.

“Hot tubs normally run at 105 degrees and it’s just bad for children. Their body temperatures don’t I guess fluctuate or adjust as ours do,” Sweeney said.

He says it’s hard to legislate parental supervision, so it’s better to just keep kids out of the hot tubs.He anticipates opposition from the hotel and leisure industry and says he’s willing to consider adjustments to his proposal to address their concerns.