Did you know that a small child can drown in less than five minutes? Drowning can occur soundlessly, in two inches of water. Each year, over 300 children age 5 and under drown in swimming pool accidents, and more than 2,500 are seriously injured. Complications include brain injury caused by prolonged lack of oxygen to the brain and spinal cord injury from shallow water diving accidents, leading to paralysis. If you have a pool in your back yard, you are responsible for keeping your guests safe. Some states even hold homeowners liable for uninvited guests. Each state has different regulations for pool safety, so check with your local enforcement agency to make sure you have taken the proper precautions. Spas and whirlpools are also dangerous, and claim up to 200 lives each year. Consult the premises liability attorneys of O'Connor Acciani & Levy Co., LPA to find out what your liability is for pool and spa accidents.
Common Causes Of Pool Accidents
The most common causes for swimming pool accidents are:- Poorly designed or defective equipment, such as a pool slide, flotation devices, drains, pumps, and pool covers
- Lack of proper maintenance; for example, conditions leading to slips and falls, broken pool equipment like diving boards and ladders, inadequate life-saving equipment, absent or unsecured pool fencing or gates, and contaminated water. Premises Liability holds property owners accountable for poor maintenance of pool areas.
- Carelessness; property owners must provide proper supervision of their pool, or post signs informing guests that lifeguards are not on duty and parents are responsible for safety of their children. Clearly mark depth levels around the pool. It is also advisable to post signs prohibiting dangerous activities like diving, running, and swimming while intoxicated.
