The Top 6 Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents
Swimming pools are a big hit among families since it provides them an opportunity to enjoy each other’s company. However, you must be careful and avoid slipping or falling into a public pool. These unfortunate incidents may cause you to lose consciousness and possibly drown.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of all drowning victims treated in the ER need to be admitted for further treatment. Non-fatal drowning-related injuries may also result in severe brain damage which can cause memory loss, learning disabilities, and even permanent vegetative states. Let’s talk about the 6 most common causes of swimming pool accidents and what can do if you get injured:
The Common Types of Pool Injuries and Their Causes
Slips and falls are just one of the ways a person can suffer severe injury and drown in public pools. Here are a few more common reasons why injuries occur in waterparks and swimming pools.
Overcrowding
When there are too many swimmers in a pool, it can be difficult for a lifeguard to identify drowning people and it also hinders rescue attempts. Public pools should impose a strict limit on how many people can occupy the pool at one time, and owners and staff should enforce these rules.
Drain entrapment
Pool drain covers and suction outlets have been proven to cause various injuries to swimmers in the past, especially to kids. Swimmers may get their hair, arms, legs, or swimsuits caught in the improperly covered drain, causing entrapment that often leads to drowning. Swimmers who escaped faulty drains can suffer amputation of toes and fingers or disembowelment as well.
Water clarity
Murky swimming pools are usually a result of improper chemical treatment and poor maintenance. Kids can easily be lost underwater. Since it can be difficult to see swimmers if the water is cloudy, pools should be tested often and immediately shut down if the drains in the pool’s deepest part aren’t visible.
Inadequate depth markers
Faded depth markers on the sides and bottom of the pool enable people to swim into a deeper end of the pool without them realizing it. Depth markers and demarcation lines must be repainted regularly. The pool’s shallow end should also be sectioned off with a floating rope to warn people of the changes in depth.
Untrained or inattentive lifeguards
Designated lifeguards should give their full attention to swimmers, and be ready and trained for rescue at all times. The waterpark/ swimming pool must also have emergency equipment (such as life ropes, emergency phones, and ring buoys) available for the staff and public to use.
Building or design violations
Poorly designed pools may have blind areas, waterfalls, or rock features that create an unnecessarily dangerous area for swimmers. Pool areas must also be built in compliance with all applicable building codes and operate under valid swimming pool permits.
Remember, operators/ owners of pools must protect swimmers from injuries on their properties. If you or your loved one has been injured in a swimming pool/ waterpark, then contact an experienced swimming pool accident lawyer today to learn what your options are and to find help in maximizing your case.
Jeffery Robinette was admitted to practice law in 1991 and is licensed in all levels of state and federal trial courts in West Virginia. Mr. Robinette is also licensed in all state and federal appeals courts in West Virginia and the United States Supreme Court. As a National Board Certified Trial Attorney who has handled hundreds of motor vehicle, injury, and construction defect claims and a leading author on insurance claims settlement issues and difficulties in West Virginia, Jeff Robinette is uniquely qualified to represent your best interest.
