Swimming Pool Drowning Accidents

Swimming pools are a great way to beat the heat and are fun for the entire family. Yet swimming pools can pose a serious drowning hazard. Swimming pool drowning accidents are tragic because they can happen so quickly. One minute everything is fine and just a few minutes later a small child could be the victim of a deadly pool accident. According to the California Department of Developmental Services, DDS, drowning is the leading cause of death near the home for children younger than age 5. Sadly, these pool accidents could have been prevented.

Pool Drowning
Pool drowning accidents can happen to anyone but are most common in young children and toddlers. Most of the reported pool drowning accidents occur in the family pool and many others happen in a friend or relative’s pool. Many of these accidents happen in just a couple of minutes while a parent or other adult supervisor stepped away or was not paying close attention. A majority of victims were found in the pool within five minutes of going underwater. Unfortunately, the prognosis for recovery is grim in a great many cases.

Prevention of Drowning
Drowning accidents can be prevented. The best way to prevent a drowning accident is to provide adequate supervision near pools. An adult should always be present whenever a child is in or near the water. Do not take your eyes off of the child, even for just a minute. Pools should be fenced in and the gate should be kept closed and locked when not in use. Fences must conform to the local code and should not allow any room for a child to crawl underneath or climb over. A pool alarm is helpful in providing an audible tone if someone enters the water.

When swimming in a public or shared pool, make certain that a lifeguard is on duty at all times. Even with a lifeguard, parents should always watch their children closely while they are in or near the water. Do not rely on inflatable arm bands or pool floats to keep children above water. Do not allow children to swim in deep water unless they are capable of doing so. Teach children the dangers of getting into the water alone and set rules that require an adult to be present before they enter the water.

After a Pool Accident
A drowning accident can result in severe brain damage or even death. The parents or victims of such an accident may be entitled to collect money for damages. While this is likely not the first thing on your mind at the time of the incident, legal action may be necessary if the accident was caused by the negligence of someone else. For example, if the child drowned while under someone else’s care or while in a public pool, the other party may be responsible or liable for the incident. If your loved one was seriously injured in a drowning accident, contact the experienced attorneys at the Law Office of Patrick G. Shea to discuss your case.