Top 5 Ways to Avoid Swimming Pool Accidents This Summer

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By Yosi Yahoudai
Founder and Managing Partner

Swimming in a pool is one of the best ways to relax and enjoy the summer. Unfortunately, a lot of accidents occur at swimming pools. According to the CDC, over 3,500 people drown each year. Around 20% of these deaths are those who are 14 years old and younger.

Swimming pool accidents can involve much more than just drowning. Accidents can come at the hands of broken handrails, a lack of warning signs, improper levels of pool chemicals, or an abundance of bacteria in the water. Accidents that involve pool drain suction are increasingly prevalent. The Consumer Product Safety Commission found that there were 80+ pool-suction accidents from 1999 to 2008.

Accidents can be avoided, so keep the following tips in mind for the summer.

How Can I Avoid Swimming Pool Accidents?

  1. Understand Your Swimming Level: Most people think they are a strong swimmer, but might not know their limits in the water. The American Red Cross found only around 56% of those surveyed could actually perform the five Red Cross basic swimming skills, even though 80% of people in the survey said they could swim. In order to prevent accidents, parents should be aware of their children’s swimming ability and keep them supervised at all times.
  2. Perform Pool Maintenance When Necessary: Taking time on a regular basis to clean the pool of debris and test the water quality are good steps to take to make sure a pool is ready to swim in. If your pool has some sort of barrier, like a self-locking fence, it is important to inspect and ensure the door is still able to close and be secured.
  3. Avoid Alcohol: Alcohol and water can be a deadly combination. It is estimated that around 70% of water recreation deaths among adults and adolescents involved alcohol. Swimming while drunk is extremely dangerous and puts you and anyone else in the water at risk for an accident.
  4. Avoid Shallow Water Diving: Diving into shallow water can result in massive injury. You should not dive into water that is less than six feet deep, and all pool diving should only be done if you are a well-trained and experienced swimmer.
  5. Use Safety Equipment: Small children or poor swimmers should wear a life jacket or approved flotation device while in or near the water. Toys like pool noodles or other blow-up device are not meant to be safety devices. Any life jacket or flotation device should be tested for buoyancy and proper fit before use.

If an accident does occur, CPR training and the creation of a pool safety kit with things like bandages, gloves, scissors, gauze, and ice packs can help the victim until further help arrives. If you or someone you love is involved in a swimming pool accident, an experienced attorney will be able to give you assistance and review your options. Call 888-806-6722 for a free consultation with one of our experienced Los Angeles swimming pool accident lawyers!

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About the Author
Yosi Yahoudai is a founder and the managing partner of J&Y. His practice is comprised primarily of cases involving automobile and motorcycle accidents, but he also represents people in premises liability lawsuits, including suits alleging dangerous conditions of public property, third-party criminal conduct, and intentional torts. He also has expertise in cases involving product defects, dog bites, elder abuse, and sexual assault. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of California and is admitted to practice in all California State Courts, and the United States District Court for the Southern District of California. If you have any questions about this article, you can contact Yosi by clicking here.