California is probably one of the best states in which to have a pool, especially in Southern California. Warm, sunny days happen even in December, so you never have to worry about the temperature falling too much to go swimming. Because many people keep their swimming pools open year-round, it’s important for them to understand the risks of owning one. Here are 3 common types of pool accidents that can easily be avoided with a little preparation.
Drowning
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 10 people die from unintentional drowning per day. Of these 10, 2 are children ages 14 or younger. Drowning also ranks as the 5th -leading cause of unintentional injury death in the country. One of the easiest ways to prevent drowning of young children is to build a fence around the pool. A barrier should surround the pool on 4 sides and must be impenetrable by curious children. It’s nearly impossible to keep an eye on a toddler in a crowded room, so ensuring the safety of small children who might sneak into the backyard is paramount.
Slip and Falls
There is no way to keep the concrete or wood surrounding the pool from getting soaked whenever people get out of the pool. However, pool owners can buy rubber mats or another walking surface with traction to place around the pool area. Likewise, ensure your guests understand walking, not running, is an acceptable way to get from one place to another when the floor is wet.
Evisceration / Disemboweling
Not many people are aware of the danger posed to small children by pool drains. Pool drains allow the water to be sucked out of the pool area so that the pool can be refilled with fresh liquid and re-chlorinated. There have been several instances of children getting stuck over an uncovered drain and getting severely injured by the suction. In some cases, they have even been disemboweled by the pressure of the draining water. Laws have been enacted in several states requiring pool drain covers. If you don’t have one, buy one immediately to prevent tragic accidents from happening in the future.
If you or loved one have been injured by a negligent pool owner, talk to one of our Desert Hot Springs premises liability attorneys about your case. Let us see what we can do for you.
Contact us at (760) 440-5643 to schedule a free case consultation today.