The summer time is all about relaxing and enjoying outdoor activities. One thing you always look forward to when summer comes around is splashing in or just lazing around by the pool. Unfortunately, swimming pools can be dangerous if you are not careful. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 3,500 people in the United States die every year in drowning accidents. From 2005-2014, an annual average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings (non-boating related) occurred in the United States i.e. roughly 10 deaths per day. Approximately 1 in 5 people who die from drowning are children aged 14 and younger.
Tips to Prevent Drowning Accidents
Here is a look at important safety tips to ensure that drowning accidents are prevented:
- In most child drownings, the absence of adult supervision is a major factor. Whether it is a swimming pool, waterpark, bathtub or the beach, make sure that children are always watched while they are playing.
- You should make sure that children wear life jackets while they are playing in the pool. This will help keep them at the surface which is helpful when you are supervising the little ones. Keep in mind that foam or blow-up toys are not safety devices and should not be treated as such when playing in the pool.
- Make sure that the swimming pool has adequate barriers such as four-sided fencing that has a self-latching, self-locking latch. This is important when you have a backyard pool as they are especially dangerous for small children.
- The buddy system is a great idea when you are at the pool. Even strong adult swimmers can have an accident, so it is best not to go alone. Make sure that you bring friends or family along or that there is always a lifeguard present.
- Make sure that at least one adult in your group knows CPR and other first aid techniques. This can save lives in case of a swimming pool or other water accident. In the time it takes for paramedics to arrive at the scene, a person could lose their life.
- Do not dive into shallow water. This means that you should dive into water that is less than 6 feet deep. Also make sure that you do not dive headfirst into the pool unless you are properly trained and are 100% sure that the water is deep enough. Whether it is a public or home pool, always avoid diving if you are not an experienced or trained swimmer.
Liability in Drowning Accidents
In some cases, a swimming pool accident really is not anyone’s fault. But if you are in a hotel or public swimming pool and proper safety precautions have not been taken to prevent potential accidents, you can hold the owner of the property liable for the accident as it shows that it was caused by another person’s negligence. Liability may lie with the pool management company for injuries caused by a diving board that is below the accepted grade. A lifeguard may be liable for not paying enough attention to swimmers or failing to act quickly enough. Liability will depend on the unique circumstances of every individual case.
A Law Firm for the Ages
If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident caused by negligence, you should consult the sensational personal injury attorneys at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. RMFW Law knows how to win cases. Give us a call. The first meeting is free. You never really have to pay us if we win and/or settle your case. We are only paid when you are paid. We only take a percentage at the end of the case. Is your viable? Let’s find out! It will cost you nothing if you call us. Again, we can be reached at 212-344-1000.
