Citrus County Swimming Pool Safety Tips

With summer in full force, many people choose to cool off by taking a dip in the pool. Whether you’re swimming in your own backyard or at a municipal pool, it is important to be aware of how to maintain the safety of your family members and guests. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 10 people die every day as a result of unintentional drowning. Sadly, children between the ages of one and four have the highest drowning rates. These tragic statistics reinforce why it is important to be aware of the factors that can contribute to unintentional drowning deaths.

There are many reasons an unintentional drowning death can occur. While the most obvious reason involves not knowing how to swim, sometimes even the most experienced of swimmers can be exposed to swimming dangers. Alcohol consumption and the lack of proper supervision can play a large role in drowning accidents. Failing to outfit your pool with an appropriate barrier can also contribute to the numerous drowning deaths and serious injuries that occur every year.

While drowning-related accidents are most common in young children, they can happen to anyone. Some unintentional drowning accidents do not result in death; rather, victims may suffer severe brain damage due to the lack of oxygen which could require a lifetime of around-the-clock medical care.

Drowning accidents are not the only threat to swimmers. Diving or jumping into shallow waters can result in neck breaks, leaving an estimated 3,000 people partially or completely paralyzed every year. Wet surfaces around the pool place people at an endless risk for slip and fall or trip and fall injuries. Additionally, electrical appliances located around the pool’s edge or near puddles of water can cause electrocution injuries or death.

Following these swimming pool safety tips can help keep you and your children safe this summer:

• Never leave children unattended in or around a swimming pool.
• Supervision by an adult with CPR certification is best.
• Install a four-sided pool fence with a gate latch.
• Provide your children with professional swimming lessons.
• Any child or adult that lacks the ability to swim should wear a life jacket or other flotation device when around a swimming pool.
• Make sure there are no hazards around the pool, such as objects that can cause trip and fall accidents.
• Keep electrical appliances away from water, including wet or slick surfaces.
• Do not allow children to play with drain covers.

Being a pool owner means you must be familiar with and follow all the laws related to pool safety. Under the concept of strict liability, pool and property owners can be held liable for harm done to others on their property, regardless of fault. It is important to keep your pool and property up to date with the latest safety features to ensure your family and friends are not exposed to any unnecessary dangers.

Should an unfortunate accident occur, the Citrus County Injury Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help. We represent swimming pool accident victims in Inverness, Crystal River, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Homosassa, Dunnellon, Hernando, Sugarmill Woods, Citrus Springs and Floral City. Contact us today online or call 352-726-0078.