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Summer is almost officially here, which means adults and kids alike will be hitting the swimming pool. Whether you have a pool in your backyard or you hang out at the local neighborhood pool, it’s important to educate yourself and your loved ones about how to stay safe. Unfortunately, swimming pool accidents happen all the time in Texas, resulting in devastating injuries and death.
When it’s hot out, there is nothing better than relaxing in the pool and cooling off. However, swimming pools can be dangerous if you aren’t careful. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), nearly 3,500 people die every single year in drowning accidents. Many of these accidents happen in neighborhood swimming pools. The CDC also notes that a shocking one in four children are killed every year in preventable drowning accidents. While pools can provide the perfect setting for barbecues, parties, and relaxing get-togethers with loved ones, they can also present risks to both adults and children. Although drownings are more common in young children (an estimated 300 children under the age of five drown every single year), everyone is at risk.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when it comes to pool injuries and deaths is that they can happen in a matter of seconds. We have represented countless clients who have said “I only looked away for a second”, only to find someone at the party in a compromising situation. The most important rule when it comes to staying safe this pool season and preventing accidents is to implement steps to prevent accidents. Here are five tips to make your summer of fun that much safer:
- Stay close and be alert – As mentioned, swimming pool accidents can happen in a matter of minutes. This is why it is so important that you stay close (especially when children are present) and pay attention to what is going on. Teach your children to stick close and don’t run around the pool — never allow them to swim in the pool without adult supervision.
- Be prepared for the worst – If you don’t already, learn CPR and encourage others to do the same. It wouldn’t hurt to take a refresher course each summer in order to make sure you are fully prepared. If a swimmer has been injured or almost drowned, be sure to call 911 immediately and perform CPR until emergency officials get there. It may also be a good idea to enroll your kiddos in a beginner swim course to ensure they are prepared for pool season too.
- Secure the pool – If you own a swimming pool, make sure it is safe for people of all ages to use. Put all pool toys away when not in use and completely remove the pool cover prior to swimming. When you are done for the day, correctly secure the cover once again to discourage anyone from sneaking in or going for an unsupervised dip.
- Avoid consuming too much alcohol – While there is certainly nothing wrong with having a cold beer or two when at the pool, be sure to avoid drinking too much. One of the leading causes of swimming pool accidents is consuming too much alcohol.
- Stay hydrated and know your limits – The sun is extremely powerful and can wreak havoc on your system if you aren’t careful. Always have plenty of water nearby and encourage others to stay hydrated as well. Don’t push yourself – if you are feeling tired and worn out from the sun and water, call it quits.
Swimming pool accidents happen every single summer and are often avoidable. Please take the above tips into consideration, and if you are involved in a swimming pool accident, give Rad Law Firm a call. Our Dallas pool accident attorneys will sit down with you and advise you on how to proceed from here.
