Mark Roman | November 27, 2023 | Premises Liability
Almost 30% of all drowning incidents among children between the ages of 5 and 14 occur in swimming pools. Although children are most at risk, anyone is in danger of drowning. In the United States, there are an average of 22 nonfatal drownings a day.
Even nonfatal drowning can severely affect the victim’s health, potentially leading to brain damage and long-term disability. To ensure that everyone using the pool is safe and there are fewer risks of accidents, you can turn to five crucial strategies.
1. Offer Constant Supervision
If children are present anywhere near the pool, even if they’re not in the pool themselves, supervision is vital. A child can slip and fall in an instant.
When a child is swimming, there should always be an adult present. Small children struggle to flip themselves easily because their heads are heavy, so drowning can occur rapidly. Don’t step away from them, and avoid doing anything distracting, like using your phone.
2. Keep a Clear Area Around the Pool
Tripping and falling is a serious concern around the pool, potentially leading to someone hitting their head and losing consciousness as they fall into the water. Slips and falls are also concerns. A lot of water accumulates around the pool as people get in and out of it, making the area slippery. You can prevent this problem by installing a good drainage system.
Make sure to use non-slip materials on your pool deck, ladders, diving boards, and any other equipment. This can help prevent injuries in both children and adults.
3. Install a Fence
Securing the pool with the right barriers can help prevent children from falling into the pool. Even the most watchful and cautious parent can get distracted or otherwise miss seeing their child stumble into the water. You want the fence to have a child-proof lock. You can also use alarms that warn you if the pool gate is open or the pool surface is disturbed.
4. Keep the Water Clean
Drowning is not the only danger that a pool poses. If the water is not cleaned correctly with the right chemicals, bacteria can flourish — especially if your filtration system is not powerful enough. Bacteria in the pool can lead to eye infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory issues, and much more.
Remember that excessive levels of chlorine and other cleaning products are also dangerous. This can lead to rashes and other skin conditions. If you are not sure about how to care for your pool, hire professionals to do so.
5. Keep Children With Stomach Bugs Out of the Water
Children who have stomach bugs, food poisoning, or other digestive issues should not go into the pool. Just one instance of diarrhea in the water can release millions of germs, potentially leading other swimmers to get sick. With small children, take them to the bathroom often to avoid any accidents.
Making Pool Safety a Priority
Spending time with family and other loved ones in the pool is fun and relaxing, but only if you know everyone is safe. By taking steps like installing a fence, making sure the water is clean, keeping the pool area clear, and more, you can avoid injuries. It’s not always possible to avoid getting hurt, however. If you or a loved one has been injured at a pool, the best thing to do is reach out to a premises liability lawyer for help.
Contact the New Port Richey Premises Liability Lawyers of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please get in touch with the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation.
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