A swimming pool can be complete bliss when the weather is hot, but they can also be dangerous. Injuries can easily occur in or around the pool, and they can sometimes be deadly. If you own a pool, or plan on visiting one, it is important to learn about common pool-related accidents and how they can be avoided.
Common Swimming Pool Hazards
- Drowning
- Diving board injuries
- Fractures
- Electrocution
- Slip and fall injuries
Drowning is one of the most common swimming accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control, an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings occurred each year between 2005 and 2014. Many of these deaths occur when people don’t know how to swim, especially when there is a lack of supervision. Other injuries can result from improper pool maintenance, falls, diving board accidents, or accidents with other swimmers.
Preventing Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pools can be dangerous, but there are steps you can take to avoid common hazards. You can take precautions to protect your friends and family from swimming accidents by making your pool safer and by learning how to effectively respond to accidents. There are many ways you can keep pool time safe:
- Supervise the pool: If there are people in or around the pool, there should be at least one adult watching the swimmers.
- Secure the pool area: Your pool should be fenced, with self-latching gates at all entrances.
- Limit horseplay: Falls can be avoided by reminding people to walk in the pool area. If the pool is shallow, post signs to warn swimmers against diving.
- Stay sober: Don’t allow intoxicated individuals to swim.
- Learn CPR: In the event of an accident, knowing CPR could save a life.
- Learn the signs of drowning: Drowning can happen very quickly, and often victims don’t shout or splash.
- Maintain your pool: Clean debris out of the water and inspect your pool for hazards.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a swimming pool accident, please contact our New Orleans personal injury attorneys at The Womac Law Firm today! We can help you recover the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages and pain and suffering.
Call (504) 470-3935 to speak with a lawyer.