577.161.  Prohibiting the use of a life jacket — definitions — penalty. — 1.  A person commits the offense of prohibiting the use of a life jacket if he or she knowingly disallows the use of a life jacket in a swimming pool by any individual who, as evidenced by a statement signed by a licensed physician, suffers from a physical disability or condition which necessitates the use of such life jacket.

  2.  As used in this section the following terms mean:

  (1)  "Life jacket", a life jacket, life vest, or any other flotation device designed to be worn about the body to assist in maintaining buoyancy in water;

  (2)  "Person", any individual, group of individuals, association, trust, partnership, corporation, person doing business under an assumed name, county, municipality, the state of Missouri or any political subdivision or department thereof, or any other entity;

  (3)  "Swimming pool", any artificial basin of water which is modified, improved, constructed, or installed for the purpose of public swimming, and includes:  pools for community use, pools at apartments, condominiums, and other groups or associations having five or more living units, clubs, churches, camps, schools, institutions, Y.M.C.A. and Y.W.C.A. parks, recreational areas, motels, hotels, and other commercial establishments.  It does not include pools at private residences intended only for the use of the owner or guests.

  3.  The offense of prohibiting the use of a life jacket is a class C misdemeanor.