With the weather beginning to heat up and summer on the way, many people will be opening up their swimming pools once again. If you plan on making waves this year and inviting others to join you, you could find that somebody at your home experiences an injury in your pool. These injuries can be stressful, long-lasting, and financially devastating for many people involved.
Are you curious about swimming pool accidents? Understanding these accidents helps you make an informed decision about caring for and opening up your pool.
Types of Swimming Pool Injuries
Drowning is one of the most feared types of pool injuries. Drowning is one of the leading causes of unintentional death in children ages four and under. While many people associate drownings with lakes, rivers, and oceans, drowning is actually common in residential swimming pools too. Property owners and drowning victims may not associate their home pool as a danger to be mindful of accidents.
Diving accidents can be fatal, but in many cases, they cause long-term health issues. Even if the swimming pool does not have a diving board, people may try diving into shallow water from the ledge. This results in head and neck injuries that vary in severity based on the type of impact. Paralysis may occur.
Finally, many accidents result from a simple slip-and-fall incident. The area around the pool may be slippery, meaning that quick feet can cause a fall that results in broken bones, head injuries, and many other concerns. Some people even fall into the pool, which can lead to drowning.
Some people experience injuries caused by suction of devices used to clean and filter pools. These injuries can actually impact the gastrointestinal tract, including the colon, stomach, and intestines. Some victims of these injuries are unable to live without long-term, assisted care.
Some swimmers even experience infections after using a swimming pool. Swallowing, breathing in, or generally coming into contact with water contaminated by certain chemicals and germs. While chlorine often does kill the germs that cause this kind of illness, it can take a long time for this to work properly. In the meantime, people can become very sick and require medical treatment.
Factors that Influence Swimming Pool Injuries
Certain factors could make it more likely that a swimming pool injury will occur. For instance, the age of the individuals swimming can make a difference, as can the depth of the pool. If you have a swimming pool that children may be using, you may consider having more hands on deck to supervise them. Children can become injured relatively quickly.
Additionally, alcohol use can also have an impact on the likelihood of a swimming pool accident. Even responsible adults can slip and fall or lose their balance when they have had a few drinks. Some homeowners prefer to close off the pool when drinking starts.
Pool owners can mitigate accidents by installing a fence around the swimming pool and ensuring that small children and older family members are unable to enter the pool on their own. You should also implement a policy that does not allow diving at your pool.
As a pool owner, you should pay attention to these factors at your home to ensure you are preventing injuries as much as possible. Individuals who do experience injuries may undergo physical therapy, rehabilitation, prescription medications, and even surgeries based on their injuries.
Dealing With Swimming Injuries
Are you still interested in learning more about personal injuries related to swimming pools? You may need information to prevent an injury or to protect yourself. The more you know about your state’s personal injury laws and safety suggestions, the safer you can make your home for guests of all ages.
Galligan Law understands the damages associated with swimming pool accidents. Call our office today to discuss legal options and personal injury cases linked to swimming pools. If you are the property owner you may be at risk of premise liability lawsuits.