Swimming pools give people a much needed break from the heat and humidity of the summer. The CDC has reported that there are millions of residential pools and thousands of public pools in the United States. These popular attractions provide recreational fun for hundreds of millions of Americans each year but swimmers and property owners alike need to enjoy the water safely (i).
Swimmers can promote safety by swimming with a buddy, using proper floatation devices, and avoiding alcohol. Property owners have to worry about safety because they are responsible for maintaining their pool and may be liable for any injuries that occur. The federal government has passed a law highlighting three areas that owners should address. First, owners should make sure that their drains comply with federal standards because old drains may be too powerful and trap swimmers under water. Second, they should have a cover to prevent children from accidentally falling in. Third, they should enclose their pool with a fence to ensure that people do not have unsupervised access (ii). People who have been injured because a pool was not properly maintained or enclosed may want to talk to an attorney about filing a swimming pool lawsuit.
In some cases, the failure of a pool owner to take reasonable safety steps may cause serious injuries. For example, chemicals should be properly stored and water should be properly treated to prevent infections and sickness. Also, electrical equipment like stereos should be kept away from the water in order to prevent electrical shock or electrocution. According to a U.S. News article, children’s eye injuries peak during the summer and swimming is a major contributing factor. The June 2013 article explains that pool chemicals and toys as well as hands and feet cause numerous pool injuries each summer. These injuries can be reduced by maintaining proper pH levels and supervising children (iii).
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira stated, “Property owners have a responsibility to take reasonable safety steps this includes the duty to maintain their pool as well as provide proper warnings and supervision. Supervision is essential to safety because pools are inherently dangerous, especially to children who may not know how to swim or who are too young to appreciate its dangers. If you or a loved one has been injured while swimming, we can help you take the first step towards compensation.”
The swimming pool infographic and video provide current statistics and list common dangers. d’Oliveira & Associates has dedicated over 24 years to providing Rhode Island and Massachusetts residents with injury and disability advice. The law firm currently works with experienced swimming pool lawyers who can file a lawsuit. There is no legal fee unless a settlement or award is obtained. Call the firm anytime at 1-800-992-6878 or fill out a contact form online for a free legal consultation.
Sources:
- (i) Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
http://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/swimming/ - (ii) Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act.
http://www.poolsafely.gov/wp-content/uploads/pssa.pdf - (iii) U.S. News, June 21, 2013.
http://health.usnews.com/health-news/news/articles/2013/06/21/childrens-eye-injuries-peak-in-summer-expert-says
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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