South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog
When we’re out there basking in the Florida sun, splashing around in the pool, the last thing on many minds is the thought of a tragic accident. Pools are so common in the Sunshine State, that we forget the dangers that accompany them. As a matter of fact, there are more than 1 million pools in the state of Florida. And with all those pools come some serious risks for accidents.
Our drowning accident lawyers understand that most all residents and visitors will be spending much of their summer poolside. With that said, it’s important we highlight swimming pool safety basics.
In the U.S., roughly 10 people die each and every day in drowning accidents. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning ranks fifth among the leading causes of unintentional injury death in the country.
Unfortunately, it’s our youngest swimmers that face the highest risks. About one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger. It’s important that we take the proper safety precautions to help ensure the safety of all swimmers.
Consider the following safety tips to make your swimming pool safer for all:
-Take lessons. According to the latest research, swimming lessons can reduce your risk of drowning — especially for our young swimmers.
-Guard the pool. Install a fence around the entire pool to keep children out. This should be a four-sided surrounding the pool. Equip it with child locks. This can help to reduce a child’s risk of drowning by more than 80 percent.
-Make sure everyone’s supervised. Whenever children are in the pool, parents should be watching. And watching means more than being in the general vicinity. You should actually watch children in the pool. It only takes a matter of seconds for disaster to strike.
-Consider taking CPR. This lifesaving skill can mean the difference between life and death. YOU can help to save lives while waiting for paramedics to arrive.
-Use the Buddy System. Always swim with a buddy. Select swimming sites that have lifeguards when possible.
-Keep pool toys and floatation devices away from the pool when it’s not in use. You don’t want to lure the curious minds of children anywhere near a pool.
-Never drink while swimming or while supervising children in the pool.
-Always keep a phone nearby. You want a cell phone or a house phone within reach at all times so that you can call for help when needed.
-Remember that floatation devices are not safety devices. Always have the proper safety rescue materials nearby should disaster strike.
-Check the weather. Look at weather conditions (current an approaching) before setting out for a day at the pool. Thunderstorms, strong winds and lightning strikes are extremely dangerous to swimmers.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a drowning accident, contact the injury lawyers at Freeman, Mallard, Sharp & Gonzalez at 1-800-561-7777 for a free consultation to discuss your rights.
More Blog Entries:
Summertime Stats Released: Child Drowning Accidents Increase!, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, September 19, 2012
Tragic Toddler Death Highlights Risk of Swimming Injuries in West Palm Beach, South Florida Injury Lawyers Blog, July 20, 2012