9 Tips to Prevent Swimming Pool Accidents

During hot summer days, there is often nothing better than relaxing at the pool. Unfortunately, if you are not careful, swimming pools can be a dangerous place. According to the CDC, nearly 3500 people die in drowning accidents every year. A large majority of these drownings occur due to accidents at a swimming pool. Even if an accident at a pool does not result in death, the victim can be seriously injured and require emergency medical treatment. In fact for every child who drowns in a pool accident, another four will require emergency medical treatment for a serious injury.

For these reasons, proper prevention is especially important. Just a few simple actions can prevent accidents and even save lives. The following are important tips to follow at all times at the pool.

• Supervise children at all times. A responsible adult should be watching children without distractions like reading or chatting at all times. If a child is preschool aged or not yet a confident swimmer, the adult supervising should always be in reach of the child. Drowning occurs quickly and quietly, so supervisors should always be on high alert.
• Use the buddy system. Even adults who are strong swimmers can have an accident at the pool, so it is never safe to go to a pool alone. Go with a buddy or make sure that a lifeguard is always present.
• Make sure at least one responsible adult knows CPR. Having CPR skills saves lives. In the time it takes for the paramedics to arrive, a person could die.
• Keep the pool area clear of toys. If a toy is not being used, it should be far from the pool deck. Children may be tempted to enter the area unsupervised to play with toys and have an accident.
• Never dive into shallow water. Less than six feet is too shallow.
• Stay out of water during thunderstorms. You should be out of the water for at least 30 minutes after hearing thunder or seeing lightning.
• Avoid consuming too much alcohol. Swimming drunk can be as dangerous as driving drunk.
• Remember that blow-up or foam toys are not safety devices. If a person is not confident enough to swim without these, they need an actual safety device like a life jacket.
• Know your limits. Exhaustion, overheating, dehydration and even trying pool “tricks” like flips without training can all lead to serious pool accidents. It is important to know your abilities and limits. Leave the pool before a situation can become dangerous.

By following these tips, you will be much safer and much more likely to enjoy your pool experience. However, some pool accidents may be unavoidable. While many swimming pool accidents are truly no one’s fault, sometimes accidents at a swimming pool can be a result of another person’s negligence. A pool management company may be liable for injuries caused by a diving board that is not up to grade. A lifeguard may be liable for failing to act quickly enough or not paying enough attention. Liability will depend on the circumstances of each individual case.

If a member of your family is injured in a swimming pool accident, contact us at Staver Accident Injury Lawyers, P.C. by calling (312) 236-2900. We will analyze your case in a free consultation and help you determine if your case has been caused by the negligence of another person. If so, we will work with you to hold them liable and get the compensation you deserve.