Summertime Swimming Pool Safety

Although a source of fun and entertainment, there is great responsibility and liability to owning a pool. Playing near or inside a swimming pool can lead to serious injuries such as slip-and-fall accidents, diving injuries, electrocution and drowning. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that over 3,500 victims die each year in drowning-related accidents, with many occurring in homeowners’ swimming pools. Children are especially susceptible to these water-related injuries. According to the World Health Organization, in the United States, drowning is the second leading cause of death in children below twelve years of age, second only to motor vehicle accidents. For pool owners, it is essential to adopt critical pool safety steps to assure the safety of those in and around the water. Here a few important safety guidelines to prevent pool-related accidents:

– Given that most pool-related accidents involve children, adult supervision is strongly suggested. Always watch your children and never leave them unattended around pools.

– Inspect and maintain your swimming pool and surrounding areas. Areas of concern include diving boards, slides, ladders, pool equipment and furniture placement. Does your pool have anti-entrapment drain covers that are compliant with the P&SS Act?

– Invest in emergency equipment such as a first aid kit and poles with life hooks. Also, as a pool owner, you should be trained on proper CPR procedures.

– Make sure to install a fence around the perimeter of your pool so that children cannot access when the pool is unattended.

Accidents do happen, but pool-related injuries can be easily avoided by taking precautions to create a safer environment for your family and friends. If you or a loved one has been involved in a swimming pool accident due to the negligence of a pool owner, the personal injury attorneys at Rutter Mills are here to help. Please call or text our office today at (757) 622-5000 or submit a complimentary case evaluation form online.

Take one minute to make sure your family stays safe this year by pledging to Pool Safely. Find more information here – http://www.poolsafely.gov/pledge/

Sound legal advice you can count on

The personal injury attorneys at Rutter Mills represent clients throughout the Hampton Roads metropolitan area, including Norfolk, Newport News, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake, and Portsmouth. Call our office at 757-777-7777 or contact us 24/7 to schedule a free consultation.