During the summer, nothing is a greater relief than taking a dip in the cool blue waters of a swimming pool. With the kids on vacation from school, the whole family can enjoy this activity together. However, it is important to keep certain safety precautions in mind as you partake in this fun summertime activity. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 3,500 individuals die in drowning accidents every year, largely due to incidents involving a swimming pool. Even if a swimming pool accident does not result in death, a person can still sustain serious, even permanent injuries. It is estimated that for every child who drowns, another four will be in need of emergency medical treatment.
To avoid a fatal or life-altering pool injury, here are some critical safety tips every parent should know and follow:
- Children must always be supervised while near or in the pool: If you child is near or in the swimming pool, a responsible adult must always be around for supervision. He or she must not be distracted with conversations, a cell phone, reading, or any other activity that might take attention away from the child. For younger children who are not yet confident swimmers, the supervising adult should always be within reach. Drowning can happen quickly and quietly, so an adult supervisor must always be alert.
- The buddy system: Kids are not the only ones who can drown. Even experienced adult swimmers can have an accident, so try to always go to the pool with a friend, or ensure that a lifeguard is present.
- At least one responsible adult should know CPR: CPR is a life-saving skill. Paramedics take time to arrive, during which a person could die. If one of the adults present knows how to perform CPR, it could mean the difference between life and death after a drowning accident.
- Put pool tools away when not in use: Pool toys are quite alluring for children and leaving them out might tempt them to get into the pool when they do not have permission or when you or another responsible adult is around to provide supervision. When the pool is not in use, or when you do not want your children to use the pool, make sure all toys are put away in storage.
- No diving in shallow water: No one, adult or child, should ever dive into water that is less than 6 feet deep.
- Do not consume too much alcohol: During this time of year, there are often a lot of pool parties and alcohol is typically served. Be mindful of how much you choose to drink if you plan on swimming. Swimming while drunk can be nearly as dangerous as driving while drunk. If you are responsible for supervising children, never consume alcohol. You will not be able to react in time or appropriately to emergencies.
- Blow up or foam toys are not safety device substitutes: Sure, these toys float and they are fun, but they should never be used as substitutes for proper safety devices. If your children are not able to swim, or are not confident in their abilities, they will need a real safety device such as a life jacket.
- Fence your pool: If you own a pool, one of the most effective ways to ensure your children are nowhere near it when they do not have permission is to have a fence around its perimeter. The fence should be wide enough and high enough to keep children out of the pool, but still accessible for adults.
- Know your limits: It can be easy to forget your limits while having a good time, but it is important to remember that we all have limitations. Exhaustion, dehydration, or attempting to perform some cool pool tricks without training can cause a serious accident. If you are supervising children, make sure they stay hydrated and are not pushing the limits of their abilities.
Brooklyn Personal Injury Attorney
At the Belushin Law Firm, P.C., our personal injury attorneys are ready to stand up for those we serve and protect their rights. If you or a loved one was injured in pool accident due to someone else’s negligence, you have a right to pursue fair and just compensation. We will help you file an injury claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company and give you step-by-step guidance through the entire process, from start to finish.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not owe us any legal fees unless we are able to successfully recover compensation on your behalf.
Call us today at (888) 918-9890 to schedule a free consultation with a trusted member of our legal team.