Swimming Pool Accidents a Leading Cause of Death Among Children

Swimming pool accidents and drownings can occur at any time of the year, but during the summer, people are especially likely to be swimming in a pool whether it is at home, at a friend’s house, or a private or public swimming pool. Even seemingly safe swimming areas can present hazards, and children are most at risk. Fortunately, a little knowledge of the hidden dangers can help prevent swimming accidents from happening.

When children are swimming in an in-ground pool, above-ground pool, public pool, lake, pond, creek,  or any other body of water, large or small, close and constant supervision is of the utmost importance, even when a lifeguard is on duty. This is especially true for parents of very young children. For children ages 1-4, an adult should be within arm’s reach at all times, and not be distracted by any other activity.

Helping Older Kids With Swimming Dangers

For older children, swimming lessons can help prevent accidental drowning. With or without formal lessons, it is important to teach children never to swim alone. Inflatable or foam floating devices like inner tubes, water wings, and pool noodles are NOT substitutes for life jackets and are not intended to prevent drowning. Children should also be taught where it is and is not safe to jump/dive into pools and other bodies of water.

Some major concerns include:

• Long hair, jewelry, clothing, or bathing suits can become caught or tangled in the drain
• Fingers and toes can get caught/stuck if the drain has an older drain cover with larger openings, or if the drain cover is missing
• The sheer force of the suction of the drain can trap a child underwater

Parents should be aware of what type of drain is in the pool before their children go swimming.

Finally, another major swimming accident hazard arises when pools are not properly fenced in. In many municipalities, it is illegal for private pools not to have at least a four-foot barrier to prevent accidental falls and unauthorized entry into a swimming pool.

If you or your child have been in a swimming accident in a pool that has been poorly maintained, has a faulty drain, or is not properly fenced in, the owners of the pool may be responsible. An attorney from our office will meet with you to discuss your legal options and the details of your potential case, at no cost. To arrange a free consultation, call 855-866-5529.