Pool Drowning Accidents: What You Need to Know
Summer is a time of fun for kids when they are on vacation from school and have plenty of time to spend participating in activities such as swimming. For parents, this can be a stressful season because you want to keep your children safe yet allow them to enjoy their summer. Pools can be a particularly dangerous area of concern.
Pool accidents are an all too common occurrence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 10 deaths occur each day in the United States due to unintentional drowning not related to boating. About two of every 10 deaths occur to a child under the age of 14. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. For every person who drowns, there are an additional five people who visit emergency rooms due to non-fatal submersion incidents.
Pool Inspections The law requires semi-public pools be inspected once a year for water quality and safety. Approximately 29% have violations. In addition to pool chemical problems, improper fencing and gates are common violations. While inspections are an important part of safety, pools must also provide proper supervision in the form of lifeguards. Additionally, lifeguards must be properly trained and managed to ensure that they perform their tasks responsibly. They must watch for the signs of drowning and immediately provide assistance to anyone struggling in the pool.
Pool Safety Pool safety is essential for children and adults alike. The pool should enforce safety rules and should not allow too many people in the pool at one time since this can be difficult to manage. Parents should not allow young children to go to the pool unless with an adult. One of the best things you can do to help prevent drowning is to teach your child to swim. Swimming lessons are available for children as young as several months of age.
Many pool accidents happen at private pools. Backyard pools are a common place where drowning accidents occur. Private pools should have the proper fences and locked gates to keep children from entering them without invitation. For above-ground pools, remove the ladder and keep it a safe distance away from the pool when not in use. When having a party or gathering, make sure that an adult is posted at the pool to keep children out. In the event of a pool party, there should be enough responsible adults to watch children while they are swimming. This task should not be taken lightly.
If your child suffered a serious injury or died as a result of a pool accident, the negligent party can be held responsible for your damages.
If the pool owner or the pool management company did something wrong, they are liable for the accident. Contact our experienced legal team at Gibbs & Parnell to discuss the details of your case today.