During the summer, many people enjoy spending time with friends and family at the pool. While pool parties can be a lot of fun, they also pose a serious risk to children. Our firm wants you to be informed of ways to keep your kids safe at the pool this summer.
Statistics Regarding Swimming Pool Accidents
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has stated that drowning accidents are the fifth leading cause of unintentional deaths in the United States. Furthermore, there were more than 3,500 fatal drowning accidents from 2005-2014. Swimming pool and drowning accidents that are not fatal may result in serious injuries, such as brain damage, that could cause long-term mental and physical disabilities. That is why it is important to exercise caution and to protect your children from swimming pool accidents.
Swimming Pool Safety Tips:
- Teach Your Kids How to Swim
While swimming lessons may be expensive, the benefits far outweigh the cost. According to the CDC, children between the ages of 1 and 4 are at the highest risk of drowning. Formal swimming lessons can train your children to swim and tread water, which can help them stay safe at the pool.
- Supervise Your Kids
Parental supervision is very important. Accidents can happen, and if no one is there to help, your child could suffer serious injuries or death. Particularly with younger children, it is necessary to have parental supervision at all times. For kids who are preschool age, supervisors should stay within an arm’s reach while in the water.
- Don’t Trust Pool Toys for Safety
Pool toys may be fun to play with, but they are not reliable as safety devices. Floating inner tubes and pool mattresses should not be trusted to keep your kids safe. They are slippery, and your child may fall into the water. It is important to supervise your kids at all times to avoid serious injuries.
- Have Your Kids Use the Buddy System
Swimming by yourself is dangerous for both children and adults. By teaching your kids to use the buddy system, you can increase their safety and help them stay safe at the pool. This is particularly important for older children who have more autonomy to go swimming without parental supervision.
- Abide by the Federal Government’s Pool Safely Guidelines
These safety protocols include:
- Never dive into a pool, unless there is a specified diving area
- Walk around pool areas to avoid slipping and falling
- Use drain covers, and advise children to stay away from pool drains
- Instruct your kids about pool safety and create an emergency plan
- Install pool barriers, covers, and alarms in and around your pool to protect children
Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC Provides Compassionate Representation to Injured Clients
If your child was injured in a pool accident, Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC is here to help. Our Atlanta personal injury attorneys are experienced, and will guide you through the legal process. Pool accidents and unintentional drownings are devastating. We will aggressively fight on your behalf as you seek justice from those responsible.
Contact our firm today to receive a free consultation.