As the weather gets warmer, more and more people have begun opening their pools in anticipation of summer. Unfortunately, that also means that more people will start to get injured due to accidents in both public and private swimming pools. But how exactly do swimming pool accidents happen, and what can be done to prevent them?
What Are Swimming Pool Accidents?
At their most basic, swimming pool accidents are essentially what they sound like: people suffering injuries or illnesses due to some kind of mishap at a swimming pool. Most often, this includes things like people slipping or tripping and injuring themselves, but it can also mean accidental drownings or injuries from defective pool equipment. It can also include people who are sickened due to bacterial infections or exposure to toxic pool chemicals.
How Do Swimming Pool Accidents Happen?
There are a number of ways that people may suffer swimming pool accidents. These include, but are not limited to:
- Not having a lifeguard on duty
- Leaving children unattended
- Failing to fence in swimming pools
- Failing to lock the entrance to a pool when not in use
- Using defective or broken pool equipment
- Electrical shorts or exposed wiring on electrical equipment
- Using the wrong quantities of pool chemicals
- Problems with suction on pool drains
How Can These Accidents Be Prevented?
At its most basic, preventing swimming pool accidents involves performing basic safety measures such as keeping a lifeguard on duty, and ensuring it is fenced in to prevent people from wandering in while it is not in use. It also means repairing or replacing any damaged equipment, and keeping people out of the water if the pool drains or pool heater are malfunctioning. It also means checking to ensure you use the correct amount of pool chemicals, and ensuring they are safely stored to avoid accidental exposure to them.
What Should You Do if You Suffer an Accident at a Swimming Pool?
If you or someone you love has been injured due to a swimming pool accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention. You should also speak to a lawyer with experience handling personal injury cases. They can help you review your potential legal options, and ensure you get the compensation you deserve for the harm you have suffered.
For more than 50 years, the New York lawyers at Elovich and Adell have represented clients like you in personal injury cases. Our attorneys, conveniently located in Long Beach, handle personal injury, real estate, commercial transactions, criminal defense, and labor and employment claims all across New York State. For a consultation, please call us at 516-432-6263 or visit our contact page for more information.
