Two swimming pool accidents with tragic results this week in Alabama are a reminder that everyone needs to take precautions around pools. In Homewood, a two-year-old boy drowned in a pool at his apartment complex. A 12-year-old girl drowned in a pool in Mobile when she slipped and fell into it.
Everyone – from swimmers to pool owners – needs to understand the potential dangers pools present. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number one cause of unintentional fatalities for kids ages 1 to 4 is drowning. In addition, thousands of pool-related injuries occur every year. Learn what you can do to keep yourself and loved ones safe when swimming.
Pool safety tips
All types of pools – wading pools, hot tubs, in-ground pools and above-ground pools – can be dangerous. Many people mistakenly assume that only deep water is dangerous, but people, especially children, can drown in mere inches of water.
The CDC recommends some simple safety measures that include:
- Taking swimming lessons
- Making sure an adult is watching children in pools at all times
- Keeping yourself within an arm’s reach of young children in the pool
- Learning CPR
- Using life jackets for those who can’t swim
- Swimming in places that have a lifeguard on duty
- Staying sober
- Not using pool toys as safety devices
- Completely fencing in pools and using gate latches that children can’t reach
Nonfatal injuries are also possible
People who drown but do not die often suffer brain injuries from oxygen deprivation. These injuries may be severe and result in permanent disability.
Many slip-and-fall accidents also occur near pools due to slick surfaces, uneven tiles or broken steps. People may suffer broken bones or head injuries in these cases.
If you have questions about swimming accidents and injuries, a personal injury lawyer can help.
