As the summer months approach, more children will be taking part in activities such as swimming. Unfortunately, swimming can be dangerous, especially for small children. Drowning is the fifth leading cause of unintentional death in the United States. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) about 10 people in the United States die every day due to unintentional drowning. This figure does not include boating-related drowning accidents.

Children’s Drowning Accidents
Most drowning deaths and near-drowning incidents occur to children under the age of 14. People who survive near-drowning may suffer severe brain damage due to lack of oxygen. If the victim survives, the extent of damage could be extensive. The victim may be permanently disabled and could require ongoing care for the rest of his or her life.

Pool Safety
Many drowning deaths occur in residential pools, but some also happen at public swimming pools or spas. Drowning can occur in just a few minutes. It is important for children to be supervised by an adult at all times when they are in or near a pool. Parents and others must watch children because even those who have experience can suffer a drowning accident. Teach children about the dangers of swimming alone. Do not allow kids to play near the pool’s drain.

Swimming Pool Requirements
There are many laws in place to keep San Diego area pools safe for swimmers. For example, private pool owners are required to have an adequate fence installed to limit access to the pool. The fence must be able to be locked when the pool is not in use.

Public pools have additional requirements to ensure safety. San Diego building code requires signage to be posted providing specific information to swimmers. The pool cannot be used at night without proper lighting. If no lifeguard is on duty, a sign must indicate this warning. Specific rules must be followed when building a public pool. For example, the pool drain, which can create powerful suction, must be installed in a safe manner according to the most recent codes.

Negligence in Pool Accidents
All drowning accidents are tragic and are preventable. Sometimes they happen because of negligence. If the accident was due to negligent actions, or lack of action, the responsible person may be held at fault. These types of cases can be complex so it is advisable to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney to discuss the details of the accident. Your attorney will review the situation and gather information to determine exactly how the accident happened and whether negligence contributed to the death. While there is nothing that can be done to change the outcome of the tragedy, legal action may be necessary.

The victim’s family may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, loss of life, and other damages. Many of these types of cases are resolved through a settlement. It is best to seek legal representation as soon as possible after the incident. Contact the compassionate legal team at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to schedule a consultation today.

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