South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
Residents in the state of Florida are able to dip into their pool just about every day of the year, but with kids out of school those pools will be used a lot more often. The summer season, when kids are out on summer break, is a time when we see an increase in the number of fatal swimming pool accidents in Palm Beach County and elsewhere across the state.
During this time of the year, parents are asked to keep a close eye on their young ones and on their home’s pool.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are nearly 4,000 people who are killed in drowning-related accidents across the U.S. each year. Not only are a majority of these victims young children under the age of 15-years-old, but a good majority of them happen in the state of Florida, too. As a matter of fact, Florida leads the nation in drowning accidents.
Our Palm Beach swimming pool accident attorneys understand that about 20 percent of drowning victims are young children. For each child who is killed in a swimming pool-related drowning accident, another five are sent to an emergency room. This time of the year is the most important time to review safety precautions for the pool and to review the layers of protection around your pool to keep kids out when you’re not around. Here are some important tips from Palm Beach County officials.
Recommended Layers of Protection for Your Pool:
-A fence that’s at least 4 feet tall.
-A gate alarm to notify homeowners when the gate is being tampered with.
-Ropes and float lines to let swimmers know where the short end and the deep and are.
-A life ring and a shepherd’s hook to help to rescue those who may be having trouble in the pool.
-Emergency contact information posted near your pool.
-A telephone nearby.
-Anti-entrapment drain covers and fittings.
-Clear pool water to be able to better identify those in trouble.
How to Stay Safe in the Water:
-Make sure children are always supervised.
-Always swim with a friend. Use the buddy system.
-Become certified in CPR.
-Enroll your family into a professional swim class.
-Make sure there are safety flotation devices nearby. Floating toys do not count.
-Never drink alcohol and play around pools.
Children most at risk are those between the ages of 1- and 4-years-old. In 2009, 30 percent of this age group who was killed by unintentional injuries were killed in drowning accidents. These accidents most commonly happened in swimming pool. Still, drowning continues to be the second-leading cause of unintentional injury-related death behind motor vehicle crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a swimming pool accident in Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale or in any of the surrounding areas, contact the personal injury attorneys at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez. Call today to schedule your free and confidential appointment to discuss your case. Call us at 1-800-529-2368.
More Blog Entries:
Pool Safely PSA aimed at reducing pool accidents in Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, May 19, 2011
Pool and Spa Drain Accidents a Danger from Fort Lauderdale to Fort Pierce, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, April 22, 2011