Hernando County Swimming Pool Accident Attorney :: Spring Hill Baby Drowns in Family Pool

June 10, 2013

A 1-year-old Spring Hill toddler recently drowned after escaping her home unnoticed and falling into the family’s pool.

The incident occurred at a home on Belmont Road.

The child’s parents were cooking dinner when they realized the girl had wandered off.

The child’s mother found her floating in the in-ground pool, according to deputies.
The mother immediately pulled the girl from the swimming pool and started performing CPR while the father called 911.

Emergency rescue crews took the baby to Oak Hill Hospital. The child was pronounced dead at 5:38 p.m.

Deputies believe that someone left the door to the lanai open or ajar, which granted the girl access to the pool area. Deputies said that the door secures tightly, so the child could only have passed through to the pool if the door was not properly latched.

Deputies are still investigating the incident.

On average, 10 people die every day from unintentional drowning, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Of these same 10 people, two are children under the age of 14 years old. Sadly, most children that drown in residential swimming pool accidents do so in their own backyard. It is quite easy for babies, toddlers and young children to sneak away from adults and fall into an open swimming pool. For this reason alone, it is critical for parents to put proper safety precautions in place in order to prevent tragic accidents. Moreover, parents, guardians and caregivers must make sure they are always alert and paying close attention to the whereabouts of children at all times.

Drowning is the second leading cause of death amongst children under the age of 14. Due to the fact that accidental drowning deaths occur at such alarming rates, property owners must make sure their swimming pools are safe to all visitors and guests. When owners are negligent and fail to maintain certain safety features at their swimming pool, they can be held liable for unfortunate drowning deaths that take place.

Many Spring Hill homeowners have backyard swimming pools. It is their responsibility to make sure that their pool and surrounding areas are free from any hazards that could threaten the safety of others. If a family member has died in a swimming pool drowning accident due to property owner negligence, you may be able to hold that person or party responsible for your losses. To explore your legal options regarding an accidental drowning death in Spring Hill, Brooksville, Weeki Wachee or the surrounding area, call a Hernando County Swimming Pool Accident Attorney at 352-666-2121 or contact us online.