As the temperature gets warmer, more people will start getting ready to head to the pool. While swimming pools can be fun, they can also be dangerous, and every year, it’s estimated that 4,000 people die as a result of accidental drowning. If you want to stay safe and enjoy the summer, make sure to watch out for these five major issues that can lead to swimming pool accidents:

  1. Lack of lifeguard on duty
    • You should never swim in any pool without a trained lifeguard on duty, particularly if you have children or inexperienced swimmers in the pool. A lifeguard should have the ability to rescue someone who is drowning, and should have the training necessary to perform CPR on anyone who needs it. If you swim without a lifeguard, you significantly increase the likelihood of swimming pool accidents.
  2. Lack of supervision for young children
    • Young children, particularly those under the age of five, are much more likely to get into a swimming pool accident than almost any other age group. Often, this can happen because they are not adequately supervised by their parents or another adult. When this happens, they are much more likely to hurt themselves and accidentally drown.
  3. Lack of fencing or other security around the pool
    • It is impossible to be present at a pool at all times, so when it is not in use, it should be secured against unwanted intrusion. This usually means some kind of fencing with a locked gate, which can prevent children or others from trespassing on the property. Without these protections, there is a risk that someone will fall into the pool when no one is around to rescue them, leading to a risk of accidental drowning.
  4. Slippery conditions around the poolside
    • Many swimming pool accidents begin with the fact that the area around a pool tends to be very slippery. This is an unavoidable part of being around a pool, but that does not mean it is not risky. To avoid slipping and falling, it is important to remember to walk slowly and carefully around the pool, and always watch out for anyone who seems to slip or lose their balance.
  5. Drinking and swimming
    • It’s estimated that one in four of all accidental drownings involve someone who was drinking before they started trying to swim. This is because intoxication can affect a person’s sense of balance and motor function, making it harder for them to swim or stay afloat if they fall into a pool. To avoid swimming pool accidents, be mindful of how much you drink, and stay out of the pool if you feel unsteady on your feet.

 

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.