Swimming pools offer people of all ages a fun way to cool off during hot summer months. You might enjoy splashing around in a neighborhood or public pool, a swimming pool at an apartment or condominium complex, or even in your own backyard. Unfortunately, swimming pools can also be dangerous. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States:
- Drowning is the leading cause of injury and death for children ages one to four, and it is the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury and death for people of all ages
- In 2009, more than 30 percent of children ages one to four who died from an unintentional injury died from drowning
- About one in five people who die from drowning are children under age 15, and most drowning accidents involving children ages one to four occur in home swimming pools
Swimming pool accidents can result in catastrophic injuries. For instance, slip and falls, nonfatal drowning, and diving board accidents can cause traumatic brain injury, which may lead to long-term complications such as memory problems, learning disabilities and other cognitive impairments. Swimming pool accidents can also cause spinal cord injuries, broken bones, neck and back injuries, and severe lacerations and contusions. Moreover, people can develop serious infections from improperly maintained swimming pools and hot tubs, such as Legionnaires disease. If you or your loved one has suffered a swimming pool injury or infection, you may be entitled to compensation. An experienced Orlando injury attorney can help you fight to get it.
Swimming Pool Safety
Pool owners can take several steps to prevent swimming pool injuries and infections, including:
- Installing a fence around all sides of the pool
- Using locks or alarms to prevent unintended access
- Clearly marking pool depth and potential hazards
- Properly installing and maintaining pool equipment, such as ladders, slides, diving boards, drain covers, hand rails, lighting and walkways
- Filling the pool completely
- Keeping the bottom clean
- Removing debris
- Maintaining proper chemical and pH levels
- Hiring qualified lifeguards
What Can Parents Do?
In addition to following the above safety tips, parents can minimize their children’s risk of drowning in a swimming pool by:
- Enrolling children in swimming lessons at a young age
- Having inexperienced swimmers wear properly-fitted life jackets
- Supervising children in the pool at all times
- Avoiding alcohol and distractions while supervising children
- Taking children to swimming pools with lifeguards on duty whenever possible
- Learning CPR
If a swimming pool accident caused you to suffer a serious injury, or if your loved one died from a swimming pool injury or infection, contact a qualified Orlando injury lawyer today to learn about your legal rights.