Preparing for Summer: How To Avoid Swimming Pool Accidents

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drownings are the number one cause of injury and death for children between the ages of one and four. It is estimated that 390 children under the age of 14 are killed every year due to drowning. The number of people who have to visit the emergency room because of drowning-related injuries is over 5,000 every year. It stands to reason that the highest number of deaths and injury are during the summer months and so it is recommended that extra caution is used during May to August. Where are these injuries the most common? Up to 44% of injuries occur at the victim's home, followed by 23% of injuries occurring at a family member or friend's home.

Even though drowning can happen in lakes, rivers, and the ocean, the majority of fatalities occur at pools. If you have a small child or own a pool, or even if you will be at a pool this summer, there are some safety tips to be aware of which may help prevent an injury or even save a life. First, stay in close vicinity to the pool. It is recommended that you stay within an arm's reach of the pool so that you are able to quickly come to the aid of someone who finds themselves in difficulty. If there is a young child in the pool, watch them at all times. Even looking away for a second is enough to cause a drowning. If you own a pool, install a fence at least four feet around the pool. Also, swimming lessons and CPR lessons could be extremely beneficial.

One hazard to take into consideration regarding swimming pools is faulty drains. Although it may not seem like a serious danger, it could lead to serious injury and even death. The suction of the drain can keep an individual at the bottom of the pool. If hair, clothing, or jewelry is caught in the drain, the victim could also be trapped under the water. There have even been cases of disembowelment where the suction of the drain actually pulls out the intestines or internal organs of the victim. In order to prevent drownings or horrific injuries, you should ensure that your drain is inspected and up to safety standards.

If you were injured or lost a loved one in a swimming pool accident, no amount of compensation could make up for what you went through. However, it the accident was caused by the negligence of another individual, they should be held accountable for what they have done. If the swimming pool fell below safety standards or was not adequately fenced off, you could have a personal injury case.