How to Prevent Swimming Pool Accidents in California This Summer

Accidental drownings claim nearly 3,500 lives per year, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Thousands of others require hospital treatment for non-fatal injuries, which can cause permanent brain damage and other lifelong consequences. Children ages one to four are most likely to suffer a drowning-related injury or death, and drowning is the second leading cause of death for children between one and 14-years-old.

In order to help swimming pool owners prevent drownings and other California swimming pool accident related injuries, the CDC provides the following tips for swimming pool safety, including:

Keep the pool deck clear of toys, puddles of water, and other hazards in order to prevent slip-and-fall injuries.

Supervise children using the pool. Preschool children should be within arm’s reach of a responsible adult at all times. The adult supervising the pool should give swimmers their undivided attention.

Teach children to swim. Learning to swim is one of the best ways children can help protect themselves. Until a child can swim well, however, they should always use a personal flotation device (PFD) while in the water. Inflatable pool toys should never be substituted for a PFD.

Use four-sided fencing around the pool. The pool should be fully enclosed by fencing at least four feet high. Gates should open outwards, and should be self-latching, with the latch kept out of a child’s reach.

Swimming pool accident injuries can have devastating or even fatal results. If you or your child has been injured in a swimming pool, the experienced San Fernando Valley swimming pool accident lawyers at The Mandell Law Firm may be able to help. We can look into your accident to determine whether a swimming pool owner acted negligently. To learn more about your legal rights, call us today at 818-866-6600 for a free and confidential consultation.