Summer Pool Safety

Summer is just around the corner, and with that comes pool season. Many New Yorkers enjoy going to the local pool, or a waterpark to cool down when the temperatures rise. While spending time either at or in the pool can provide hours of fun and recreation, it is still important to be aware of the many safety issues that could arise in order to take measures to protect both you and your family. In fact, the National Safety Council estimates that about ten people die from drowning every day in the United States, not including boating accidents, with young children being at the greatest risk.

While risk of drowning may be the prime safety concern at the pool, there are many other types of injuries to watch out for such as slip and falls, broken bones, spinal injuries, lacerations, electrocution and infections. Injuries and accidents can be caused by a number of unsafe conditions such as:

• Malfunctioning water circulation or other pool equipment

• Poorly trained staff

• Missing or broken safety equipment

• Poor lighting

• Defective or foreign materials by or in the pool

• Rusty or broken ladders

• Faulty diving boards

• Failure to properly clean or chlorinate the pool

• Failure to warn of the depth of the pool

While unfortunately not all swimming pool injuries may be preventable, you can still take certain measures to avoid accidents. Some basic pool safety tips to keep in mind:

• Do not go in the pool if a lifeguard is not on duty

• Make sure children are supervised at all times and have proper floatation devices

• Do not allow young children to go in the deep end of a pool or use the diving board

• Do not attempt to do tricks or improperly use the diving board or slide

• Make sure to stay hydrated on a warm day

• Don’t use glass items near the pool

• Do not go swimming if you are intoxicated

• Don’t engage in horseplay near the pool

If you have suffered an injury, or lost a loved one due to a swimming pool accident that was caused by the negligence of the pool owner or other responsible party, you may be entitled to compensation. It is best to consult with an attorney immediately as there are strict statutes of limitation that come into play depending on whether the swimming pool facility was owned by a city or private entity. In the event that a municipality owned the pool, a written notice of claim must be provided within 90 days from the date of the accident. Therefore, it’s very important to contact an attorney who can advise you and help protect your legal rights.

The Law Office of Jessica M. Semins is available to represent clients for New York personal injury matters, including swimming pool accidents, throughout New York City including Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, the Bronx, and Staten Island; Long Island, including Nassau and Suffolk counties; and Westchester county. Consultations are by appointment only and can be scheduled in Manhattan or Melville, Long Island. Call (646) 397-6844 today.

Attorney Advertising. The content herein is not meant to be construed as legal advice, nor form an attorney-client relationship.