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Spending a warm California day at the pool can be a great way to relax and share time with your kids, but accidents lurk around every corner.
Recently, a young boy in Oxnard was trapped by a pool drain and emergency workers were required to safely free him from the drain. Things like this do happen, and you should be aware of these common swimming pool dangers.
Pool Drains
While drains might not be the first thing you think about when it comes to pool safety, they pose some potential risks. Small children, like the four-year old boy in Oxnard, can get sucked into and stuck in pool drains. If lucky, these accidents only lead to scrapes and bruises, but there is always the very real risk of serious injury – internal injuries – and drowning.
Other equipment including covers, nets, and toys should be used safely and kids should always be watched around them to avoid tragedy.
Diving Injuries
One of the biggest dangers at the pool is the pool itself; particularly diving into the pool. Often people dive into a pool when it is not deep enough. These accidents often result in serious injuries to the head, brain, and neck, which can lead to paralysis, brain damage, and even death. It is very important for everyone at a pool to understand how deep the water is and know the depths at which they can safely dive without serious injury.
Slip and Fall Injuries
People can slip and fall, striking the side or pool deck, due to slippery conditions that the pool owner did not correct. It is a well-known fact that surfaces around pools become slippery when wet. Many treatments are available to correct this issue, no matter what type of surface it is: concrete, tile, natural stones, or others. It is the responsibility of the swimming pool owner to take reasonable action to minimize the risk of a slip-and-fall accident. These accidents cause severe injuries, among them spinal cord tears, fractured skulls, wrenched joints, broken bones, and deep lacerations.
Who Is Liable for Swimming Pool Injuries?
While people need to behave reasonably around swimming pools, it is up to the owner of a pool to make sure it is a safe environment for others. That means owners of commercial pools need to provide lifeguards and make sure that visitors remain safe. This can require proper scheduling to make sure swim classes and competitive athletes have time to use the pool, as well as barriers that keep swimmers away from diving boards and similar hazards. When injuries do occur, the owner may be liable for any negligence that caused the accident.
If you or someone you know has been injured while swimming at a pool due to someone else’s negligence, call us today at NordstrandBlack PC, (805) 962-2022.