Did You Know?
- Every year over 1,000 children die in swimming related accidents. For every child who drowns, six receive emergency room care.
- Spas and whirlpools kill 200 children annually.
- Approximately 10% of all serious injuries resulting in paraplegia are caused as a result of diving accidents.
- It takes less than 5 minutes and fewer than 2 inches of water for a child to drown.
Over three thousand US children and adults will drown in a swimming pool accident this year. Serious injuries may result from swimming and diving accidents, including bone fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, and brain injuries. Large amounts of water are not necessary for a drowning to occur. The following items may pose a drowning threat: bathtubs, buckets, toilets, spas, hot tubs, landscape ponds, sinks, and fish tanks. Those who survive often suffer from brain damage and spinal cord injuries. The most common causes of these accidents include:
- Improperly designed or constructed pool;
- Failure to secure pools from small children;
- Failure to maintain the pool in safe condition;
- Lack of full surround fencing;
- Lack of lifeguards;
- Lack of safety equipment;
- Inadequate warnings;
- Lack of safety covers;
- Inadequate supervision of children;
- Inadequate instruction and training;
- Alcohol use and abuse.
Swimming pools can be great fun and exercise for people of all ages. The following are some swimming pool safety tips to help keep you and you loved ones safe:
- Every pool should be equipped with a 4 foot tall gate with a functional child-proof lock
- Always have an adult supervise when children are swimming
- Use pool covers (manual or power) when pool is not in use
- Have children attend swimming class to learn proper swimming and pool safety procedures
- Only use approved floatation devices for your children
- Never swim under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Do not dive or jump into the shallow end of the pool
- Children or adults should never swim alone
If you or a loved one has been injured in a drowning or diving accident the pool owner or manager may be held legally responsible for the damages occurring on the premises. They may compensate you for the medical expenses related to the injury, which may be very expensive, as well as lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related expenses.
Safety Tips:
- Swimmers of any age - Never Swim Alone
- Learn CPR - the time before emergency workers arrive is critical
- Never swim or dive in unmarked areas
- Make sure that proper safety equipment is available and know how to use it
Public pools such as community pools and hotel/motel pools are also subject to safety guidelines. If you have been injured in a swimming pool accident, you may be able to file a "premises liability" claim against the responsible party of any pool if you can prove the following:
- They were negligent.
- Their negligence caused an injury.
- You were damaged as a result of the injury.
There are many ways to prevent accidents and injuries. The conduct of a third party could have contributed to a diving, drowning or near-drowning accident. Swimming pool manufacturers, retailers, distributors and installers, property owners and their employees, municipalities, schools, or caretakers may be liable for injuries. Liability in drowning and near-drowning accidents can be very complex and it is important to speak with an attorney familiar with Diving Accidents.
CONTACT A DIVING INJURY LAWYER IN YOUR BOSTON
If you are in need of legal advice or services, or simply wish to speak to an attorney who has successfully handled a Diving Accident case in Boston , you may use this Free Online Consultation Form.
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