The Dangers of Swimming Pools
Just this past weekend, a dear friend of mine told me a chilling story. As the family sat poolside for Father’s Day, their young nephew began to panic in the deep end of the pool – After comfortably swimming there for hours. It is often very difficult to recognize, react and respond – Even if it is your child or a loved one that is flailing in the water.
For younger children, pools can be an incredibly dangerous attraction. While water wings and vests offer some safety, a toddler can easily get lost in a crowd and walk into a pool undetected – with tragic consequences. For residential and public pools vigilance is absolutely the key to safety.
The Cold Reality of Pool Safety
Swimming pools are fun for all ages, but must be enjoyed responsibly.
For children of ALL ages, this means constant supervision.
The dangers of pools is prevalent, even while we are present and active, aside from the clear dangers of a pool that is left unattended and unsecured.
The CDC reports from 2005-2014 there was an average of about 10 drownings per day across the US. These unintentional drownings were in addition to another 330 drownings that were boating related. Of all drowning statistics, about 1 in 5 drowning tragedies are children under the age of 14. Non-fatal drowning injuries can require lifelong care, as a result of brain injuries that can lead to severe deficits for life. Accidental drowning has surpassed many causes to be one of the leading causes of death in children under 10.
Proper Safety and Preparedness
Proper safety precautions are absolutely essential for any parent, pool owner or individual that commonly monitors children near a pool, pond or body of water. Many cities require safety precautions, such as gate and ladder specifications for residential pools.
- Removable ladders
- Locked gates
- Gated areas if applicable
- Proper safety gear – Life jackets – NOT floaties
- Establishing neighborhood rules
Some of the less obvious and/or common ways to combat pool related drownings are more strategic in nature.
Pool alarms that detect motion or lack there of are a great solution, and for a few hundred dollars can literally save a life.
Swim lessons and the buddy system are also great ways to help prepare your kids to prevent water safety concerns.
Lastly, proper CPR and medical training are essential. For any parent, pool owner or babysitter – knowing what to do in the seconds that matter most is critical.
Secondary Dry Drownings
While a hot topic in the medical community and a ‘Facebook parenting panic inducer’, is secondary, dry or delayed drowning. If your child had a near drowning experience, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
The US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health report that in 94 cases of near drowning, about 5% of the cases showed symptoms of a secondary / dry drowning threat.
If your loved one experienced an unimaginable tragedy as a result of negligent pool conditions, you must contact my offices immediately.
I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over four decades, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus, Dayton and neighboring communities. You can reach Tim by email at misnylaw.com/ask-tim-a-question/ or call at 877.944.4373.
