Florida has the most residential pools of any state and year-round weather that encourages regular dips in the pool. In many ways, it’s a swimmer’s paradise. However, there is a downside – pool drownings and pool accidents.
Florida ranks 6th in the nation for pool drowning deaths. Further, recent research suggests that Florida is #1 in the U.S. for pool drownings for children under five years of age. These are sobering statistics.
However, the good news is there are proven methods to decrease instances of pool drowning and accidents. This article discusses:
- What causes someone to drown in a pool?
- How common is drowning in a pool?
- Top injuries caused by pool accidents
- Ways to prevent pool accidents and drownings
- When to contact a pool drowning lawyer
Continue reading to learn more.
How Common is Drowning in a Pool?
According to the CDC, there are nearly 4,000 unintentional drownings per year. While that number also includes boating-related accidents, it’s also safe to assume that a large percentage of those drownings occur in swimming pools.
A few key statistics indicating the commonality of fatal swimming pool accidents include:
- Children aged 1-4 are more likely to die from drowning than any other cause (other than birth defects).
- It is the second most common reason for unintentional accidents among children aged 1-14.
- There are more than 8,000 nonfatal drownings every year.
What Causes Someone to Drown in a Pool?
A drowning accident can lead to devastating injuries, up to death. Before learning how to prevent pool accidents, knowing how they typically occur is essential. With that in mind, the most common causes of drowning and accidents in the water include:
- Inability to swim
- Non-existent or inadequate fencing around the pool
- Lack of adult supervision
- Too much comfort around a home swimming pool
- Intoxication, illicit drugs, or prescription medication
- Diving in shallow water
- Swimming pool slides
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Circulation entrapment
- Overcrowding
- Lack of depth markers
Further, it’s important to note there are discrepancies in pool drowning statistics between age groups, ethnicities, sex, and people with specific disabilities.
Injuries Caused By Pool Accidents
Generally, any number of injuries can occur due to a pool accident. However, the most common injuries resulting from pool accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Near drowning requiring resuscitation
- Fatal drowning
- Head injuries (including Traumatic Brain Injuries)
- Breaks, bruises, and scrapes
- Eye injuries
- Lung injuries
Suppose you or a family member has suffered catastrophic injuries in a pool accident due to the recklessness of another person or entity. In that case, it’s in your best interest to contact a pool drowning lawyer as soon as possible. Depending on the facts of the case, you may be entitled to maximum compensation.
12 Ways To Prevent Pool Accidents And Drowning
It’s nearly impossible to prevent all pool drownings and accidents. However, you can help yourself, and your family significantly decrease the chances of pool accidents by adhering to the following tips:
- Learn how to swim, and take it seriously. It could save your life.
- Always supervise children in the pool.
- Limit your swimming to pools with a lifeguard.
- Maintain a locked gate around your residential pool.
- Stay away from alcohol or drugs before swimming.
- Swim with a partner.
- Learn CPR or ensure at least one other person at the pool knows it.
- Enforce pool safety rules with your children.
- Wear a life jacket or other flotation device if you’re not confident in your swimming ability
- Steer clear of pool drains and suctions
- Don’t dive or belly flop in shallow water
- Clear pool hazards and unused toys
Swimming in the pool is meant to be fun. However, it’s a pleasure that should also be respected. Following the pool safety tips mentioned above can help you enjoy swimming while avoiding unnecessary and fatal pool accidents.
Contact A Pool Drowning Lawyer in Florida Today
If you or a loved one has suffered significant injuries or death due to a pool accident, we recommend consulting with a pool drowning lawyer as soon as possible. There are strict Florida pool liability laws for residential and commercial pool owners.
If you and your family have experienced a catastrophic injury or even fatality due to their negligence, you may be entitled to significant damages. Depending on the nature of the accident, you can potentially recoup damages for medical bills, rehabilitation, a wrongful death claim, lost income, and more.
Don’t wait until it’s too late to file a pool accident personal injury claim. Contact a Florida pool drowning lawyer at The Schrier Law Group today for your free initial consultation.
