Keeping Your Kids Safe Around the Pool This Summer

July 03, 2011

Keeping Your Kids Safe Around the Pool This Summer

Now that summer is in full swing, pool safety is in the news again, and for good reason. Tragically, hundreds of children drown each year in pools and spas around the country, and thousands more have near-misses. The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that drowning is in fact the number one cause of death for children ages one-to-five in the United States.

Most people don't know that children can drown in as little as two inches of water, and that most pool-related drowning deaths occur when adults or older children are in the vicinity. It only takes a minute or two for a child to drown, so parents must be on high alert whenever kids are in or near pools and spas. Even a small distraction -- like a knock on the door, buzzing oven timer or ringing phone -- can steal an adult's concentration long enough for a child to get in serious trouble.

Keeping the Kids Away From the Water

Even if children are strong swimmers, they should never be allowed in a pool unsupervised. The easiest way to ensure that is to simply prevent access to the pool. Barriers like childproof door locks, swimming pool enclosures (with locks high enough that children cannot reach them), pool safety nets and solid pool covers can be highly effective in keeping kids away from the water.

Swimming pool alarms are also popular options, but they should be used in addition to other protective measures since they only activate when a child actually enters the pool area -- by the time an adult hears the alarm and reacts, it could be too late to save the child's life.

Public Pools or Pools in Private Homes

If your child is at a public swimming pool -- a popular field trip for camps and daycare centers around the country during the summer -- there should be adequate adult supervision and trained lifeguards on hand. Even so, accidents can happen. Pool parties at private homes can also lead to tragedy, especially if there are only a few adults trying to watch numerous rambunctious children around all that tempting pool water.

Even the most responsible child and his or her parents can run into trouble if a pool is negligently maintained or there is inadequate supervision. If your child has been injured -- or has tragically drowned -- because of the negligence of the owner of a pool or spa, speak with an experienced personal injury attorney in your area to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Article provided by Riddle & Brantley, LLP
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