In the heat of the summer, pools are popular places to hang out and stay cool. Whether you visit a public pool or take a dip in your own, practicing pool safety is essential to prevent drowning or other accidents while spending time around the pool.
Use a Barrier
If you have a pool of your own, reduce accident risks by installing barriers around it to prevent unsupervised or unauthorized access. Effective barriers include fencing equipped with child-proof locks (for example, locks on the inside of the gate, where young children cannot reach) or locked pool covers.
Keep an Eye on Young Swimmers
If you take kids to the pool, make sure a responsible adult watches them at all times to prevent children from falling in or experiencing other accidents that may cause serious injuries. Ensure kids know they should only spend time around or in the pool if they’ve received permission and an adult is available to watch them.
Create a Safe Environment
Regularly inspect your pool and the area around it to fix or remove potential tripping or slipping hazards. Make sure the flooring surface around the pool is made of a material that won’t be slippery from people dripping water as they get out of the pool. Fix any broken ladders or other equipment in the pool, and pick up tripping hazards like hoses and pool toys.
Take Swimming Lessons
Taking the time to teach children how to swim is one of the most important preventative safety measures you can take. Start swimming lessons early so your kids become strong swimmers and reduce their chances of drowning. You can find swimming lessons for toddlers or infants at many public pools or with swimming safety groups.
Avoid Drains
Always avoid swimming near pool drains. A drain or suction opening can hold even a strong swimmer beneath the water’s surface, which may lead to drowning if a companion or lifeguard does not spot them. Even if they are pulled to safety, drains and other openings can inflict injuries like lacerations, contusions, and ligament or muscle tears.
Follow Pool Rules
Pool rules exist for a reason, so make sure you and your family follow all posted signs and water safety tips when swimming in public, community, or fitness facility pools. Public pools usually post signs with rules like restrictions against running, toweling-off requirements, age restrictions, and hours of operation. These rules are tailored to the features of specific pools to maximize everyone’s safety. Swimmers and those around the pool must also listen to all instructions or warnings from lifeguards.
Contact an Experienced Premises Liability Attorney After a Swimming Pool Injury
If the worst happens and you’re injured in a pool accident someone else causes, consult an experienced premises liability lawyer from Stewart Law Offices. Our reputable injury attorneys can determine whether you are eligible for compensation. Contact our firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation, and let us advocate for your family’s rights.
