Warmer Temperatures Could Mean An Increase In Swimming Pool Accidents

Warmer temperatures are finally moving across North Carolina and several other states in the US. Many families will soon take advantage of this time of the year by gathering around swimming pools.

Although swimming can be a relaxing activity for both children and adults, it can also contribute to serious injuries and even death if one is not careful.

It’s important that you understand the hazards that swimming pools have and follow all safety rules and common practices while swimming. In the event, you are injured while swimming, you’ll want to seek medical attention immediately.

You may also want to consult with an attorney for you could be entitled to compensation if the injury was caused by someone’s negligence. Contact the premise liability attorneys at Riddle & Brantley for a free, no-obligation case evaluation today.

Common Swimming Pool Accidents

When one mentions swimming accidents, they often think about drowning. However, there are several other types of accidents that can cause severe injuries or even death.

1. Slip and Fall Accidents. Slippery surfaces are a common cause of swimming pool accidents. Guests can slip on surfaces near pools, including diving boards. Slipping off a high dive can lead to death or serious injury, such as traumatic brain injuries.
2. Electrocution. Poor maintenance, defective equipment and plugged in electronics left near swimming pools can lead to electrocution accidents. Last year, a 17-year-old Raleigh lifeguard died after being electrocuted at a public swimming pool. According to the girl’s family, substandard repair work caused the death.
3. Drowning. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), 163 children younger than 15 years old drowned in swimming pools or spas between Memorial Day and Labor Day in 2017. Some drowning victims who survive may suffer severe traumatic brain injuries from prolonged oxygen deprivation.
4. Pool or spa drains can disembowel swimmers, especially young children. Although rare, these incidents have led to deaths and permanent injuries. The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act was enacted in 2007 to prevent swimming pool disembowelment accidents.
5. Diving Accidents. Diving accidents can lead to spinal cord or brain injuries. In such cases, swimmers may be unaware they are diving into the shallow water due to poor signage or inadequate lighting.

6 Tips to Help Avoid Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents are very serious but fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones from harm. The following six swimming pool safety tips may help you avert tragedy.

1. Supervise children. Never leave children unattended near water, even if they know how to swim. It is also recommended that you teach your children to ask for permission to go near the water. You should also avoid any distractions while supervising your children.
2. Secure your swimming pool or spa. If you have a private swimming pool or spa, then you should ensure it is secured by barriers. Fences, gates, and alarms can prevent children from entering the pool or spa unsupervised. You should ensure that the barriers surrounding your pool or spa are in compliance with the law.
3. Ensure the pool or spa has compliant drain covers. Swimmers can be disemboweled by pool and spa drains. Before using a pool, the CPSC recommends checking to ensure the drains are compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act.
4. Learn CPR. You could use CPR to save a drowning victim’s life. According to the American Heart Association, you can increase the chances of survival by two or three-fold by immediately performing CPR, even if the person is in cardiac arrest. You can find and take a CPR class in your area by visiting the American Red Cross’ website.
5. Teach your children to swim. According to the CPSC, drownings are eight times more likely to occur when children do not know how to swim. Parents should teach their children how to swim or enroll them in swimming lessons.
6. Ensure the swimming pool is maintained. Poor maintenance is a cause of swimming pool accidents. Electrocution hazards, drownings, and falls are possible outcomes of poor maintenance.

Who Is Liable for Swimming Pool Injuries and Deaths?

Liability for swimming pool accidents depends on the circumstances. It’s important that you seek legal help as quickly as possible after you or a loved one have suffered harm while using a swimming pool or spa.

Our experienced premises liability attorneys are available to answer your questions. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. The consultation is FREE and there is never any upfront cost or attorney fees unless we win your case.