Swimming pool accidents can turn serious very fast, but there are a few ways you can help prevent such accidents.
It is estimated that 200,000 people are treated in the emergency room each year due to swimming-related injuries and ten people die each day due to drowning. Fortunately, taking a few basic safety precautions can prevent swimming pool accidents.
Learn How to Swim
It may seem obvious, but one of the best steps you can take to prevent drowning is to learn how to swim, or teach young children how to stay afloat. It is never too early or late for someone to learn how to swim. In fact, most babies can start taking swimming lessons before they are even a year old. Even if you already know how to swim, you may benefit from taking a swimming class and brushing up on your skills.
Do Not Swim Alone
It is always important to have a buddy with you when you go swimming. This person should be an experienced swimmer. Lack of supervision is one of the things that greatly increases the risk of drowning. Similarly, children should always be supervised by a watchful adult when swimming.
Use Pool Covers
Many drownings occur after someone accidentally falls into the pool. Getting a pool cover is one of the best ways to prevent this from happening. You can purchase a mesh or solid pool cover; however, regardless of the type of cover you use, it will need to be anchored completely to the deck.
Use Safety Rails
Slip and fall injuries are one of the top pool injuries, especially for the elderly. Safety rails can prevent people from tripping and falling when getting in or out of the pool.
No Alcohol
You should not drink alcohol before you get in the pool. Drinking and swimming is never safe; in fact, it is almost akin to drinking and driving.
Stretch Before Swim
If you plan on doing a few laps around the pool, then you should stretch before doing so. Stretching helps strengthen the muscles and helps decrease your risk of suffering a shoulder injury or getting a muscle cramp in the deep end.
Use Swimming Pool Barriers
You may want to have fencing installed around your pools. Today’s gates have codes and self-latching abilities that can help prevent children from getting into the pool area unsupervised.
Do Not Dive in Shallow Water
This is one of the most basic of pool rules, but diving in the wrong areas causes many swimming pool injuries per year. You should not dive in the pool unless the water is at least eight feet deep in order to avoid a head or spinal cord injury.
If you or a loved one have suffered damages due to a swimming pool accident or other premises liability incident, it may be in your best interests to contact a lawyer who specializes in this practice area. Most attorneys offer a free initial consultation.
