CPSC: Nearly 400 Pool/Spa Drowning Deaths Each Year Among Children 0-14 Years Old

This past Memorial Day weekend, many Ohioans took advantage of the warm weather and opened their pools for the summer season.  While pools are a great way to beat the heat and spend time with family and friends, they can also be very dangerous, particularly for young children.  As Cleveland personal injury lawyers, Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA wants to remind readers that practicing pool safety can ensure your fun in the sun doesn’t take a turn for the worse.

Child Drowning Injuries and Deaths

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, there are nearly 400 pool/hot tub drowning deaths each year among children 0-14 years old.  That same age group also experiences nearly 5,000 drowning-related injuries each year.  These figures do not even include unreported injuries or injuries resulting from slips, trips, and horseplay on slippery pool decks.

Since nearly half of these injuries occur in residential pools, it is important that pool owners take responsibility when allowing their pools to be used by children.  Whether it is your own child, a family member, or a neighbor, provide adult supervision and never allow inexperienced swimmers to enter the water alone.  Flotation devices and safety equipment should be readily available and you should take the time to discuss swimming safety with any children who may use your pool.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Puddles of water and pool toys can turn a pool deck into a dangerous situation for adults and children alike.  Make sure that children understand the importance of walking, not running, when outside of the pool.  This, along with clearing the area surrounding the pool of toys and flotation devices, may help prevent serious personal injuries.

Diving Injuries

Diving injuries can result in significant personal injuries, including traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and even death.  Instruct children on the dangers of diving.  If adults are present and drinking alcohol, the best practice would be to prohibit those drinking from entering the pool at all.

Injured at a Pool? You Need an Experienced Ohio Personal Injury Lawyer

While practicing pool safety may avoid accidents, there are many circumstances where injuries can occur due to the negligence of a pool owner, other swimmer, or manufacturer.  If you or a loved one were injured as a result of negligence, contact an Ohio personal injury lawyer at Lowe Scott Fisher Co., LPA today to discuss your case.