Swimming at the pool is a great way to escape the heat of summer. However, drowning accidents are responsible for more than 3,500 fatalities each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Non-fatal swimming pool accidents could also lead to serious injuries, such as lacerations, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, disembowelment, paralysis, spinal cord injuries, brain damage, and other trauma.
Here Are 5 Ways to Increase Your Safety at the Pool This Summer:
1. Teach Your Kids How to Swim
Giving your kids formal swimming lessons is important. They will learn valuable skills, such as treading water and dog paddling, as well as safe diving practices. This will help them be more comfortable in the water, and will help keep them safe in an emergency. However, it is important to remember that teaching your kids how to swim does not make them drown-proof. You still need to provide supervision at all times to avoid an accident.
2. Supervise Your Children
Adult supervision is necessary to keep your kids safe at the pool. If you aren’t paying attention, your child may suffer serious injuries or death. It is important to supervise your kids at all times while at the pool. Even if a lifeguard is posted, you still need to pay attention and watch your kids constantly to ensure they are safe. For children between the ages of 1 and 4, it is important for an adult to stay within arm’s reach at all times.
3. Avoid Trusting Pool Toys for Safety
Pool toys should never be used as safety devices. Floating mattresses and other types of toys may seem buoyant enough to support your kids in the water, but they are not reliable. Children could slip into the water or get stuck underneath inner tubes or other floating toys. Thus, you should avoid using pool toys at safety devices, and instead use certified life jackets and other safety products to keep your kids safe.
4. Use the Buddy System
Swimming alone is dangerous, even for adults. That is why you should use the buddy system and never go swimming alone. If there is an emergency, it is important to have at least one other person with you to get help or provide assistance. You should teach your kids to use the buddy system, and avoid swimming in a pool by yourself.
5. Practice Common Sense
It is important to never run around the pool area. This puts you at risk for slipping and falling on the wet concrete, which could lead to serious injuries. Furthermore, you should always swim where a lifeguard is posted, and avoid diving unless in a designated area. Providing adequate supervision and using caution around the pool area can help everyone enjoy a fun and safe time at the pool this summer.
Palmisano & Goodman, P.A. provides efficient representation to clients who have been injured by dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. Call our Woodbridge premises liability attorneys today at (732) 709-4400 to schedule a free initial consultation with a member of our team.