Written by: Mitchell Panter • May 19, 2020• Legally Speaking Safety

5 Pool Safety Tips to Protect Your Child

In South Florida where many like to soak in the sun, residents often have a pool in their backyard. With many of us spending more time at home, that means spending more time in the pool and in the yard for many families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and four. It is critical during these times to teach your child about basic pool safety tips to protect them from possible harm.

Review these pool safety tips to protect your family:

Never leave your child unattended. – Never leave your child unattended in the pool or around the pool. It can be easy to get wrapped up in other activities, but unfortunately, as we have seen, it doesn’t take long for an accident to happen. Have a phone close by at all times in case you need to call for help.
Install proper fences, barriers, and covers. – For maximum precaution, consider placing a fence, (similar to the ones installed by pvc fencing queensland or elsewhere) or barrier and keeping all pool and spa covers in working order. The fence must be at least four feet in height and surround the pool or spa on all sides. This will ensure no accidents will cause you or your child to accidentally slip and fall into the pool.
Learn how to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on children. – Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save a life. To learn how to effectively provide CPR to an infant or child, review this Nicklaus Children’s Hospital video tutorial.
Advise children to stay away from pool drains. – It is important to advise your child to stay away from pool drains or suction outlets especially in spas and shallow pools. Children’s hair, jewelry, or bathing suits can become stuck in the drain and cause possible drowning. Be sure to locate the emergency vacuum shutoff before entering the pool as a precaution.
Teach children to use the buddy system. – Even if a child has taken swimming lessons, do not let them swim alone. Instead, implement a buddy system rule for using the pool.

While some children might be able to signal for help while in distress, most drowning victims will be nearly silent. If you fear your child has been quiet for far too long, it might be an indicator that they are drowning. Know the signs of drowning by visiting our resource center at panterlaw.com.

Pool accidents can result in devastating injuries or even fatalities. Serious pool accidents can cause brain damage due to oxygen deprivation, which can be life changing for families. If you own a pool, please keep in mind that traumatic injuries occurring in the pool fall under strict liability laws. Even if a pool owner is in compliance with codes, they still June be held liable if it is found that they failed to plan for vulnerable children or adults wandering onto their property. If you or a loved one has been injured whilst swimming, you might want to get in contact with Douglas Beam, P.A, a personal injury attorney that can help you to make a legal claim if the injury wasn’t your fault.

If you are injured in a pool accident, contact us by calling (305) 662-6178. Let us help you and your family.

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