Top Tips for Swimming Pool Safety
by Phoenix Swimming Pool Drowning Attorney - Mark Breyer
Swimming pool safety is an important concern in the U.S. during the summer - particularly in Arizona where there are roughly 615,000 swimming pools, creating year-round concerns for parents with young children. The most prevalent of these concerns relate to drowning and sanitation of pools. Many people are seriously injured each year by pools not being properly sanitized. Everyone knows as well that there are fatal accidents in pools from innocent people drowning for a variety of reasons.
Phoenix has struggled to deal with sanitation issues in swimming pools for many years. In 2008, the city had to close down every single one of its public pools. Since then, the city has hired people to ensure that swimmers shower and take bathroom breaks while pool side. Phoenix public pools also provide diapers for toddlers in the pools. This is to prevent the spread of a water-born parasite, cryptosporidium, which causes sickness, cramping, and vomiting.
A more obvious concern is the threat of drowning particularly for younger children. The CPSC (Consumer Protection Agency) estimates that 3,200 children are hospitalized each year due to drowning, submersion, or injuries that occur around the pool. There are many incidents of individuals drowning in public pools; however, 80% of drownings occur in home pools.
Arizona residents should be particularly aware of pool safety issues during the summer months when swimming and pool use becomes ubiquitous. The most important steps are the following:
- Keep pools fenced
- Make sure that you swim with at least one person
- Know how to swim
- Know CPR or swim with someone who does
- Make sure the pool fence is properly secured and safe
Here are some additional tips to ensure your health and safety:
- Fencing off your pool area is crucial. Even if you do not have children, take this precaution and put up a wall or fence that is at least 4 feet tall around your pool.
- Know how to swim and teach your children. Public pools often offer classes for children of all ages, especially if your child is younger, make sure they receive supervised practice and training. Strong swimming skills can save lives.
- Learn CPR, teach your children, and make sure that the person supervising your children in the pool knows this technique.
- Ensure that toddlers and young children are always wearing flotation devices while in the pool.
- Employ 'touch supervision' with young ones: keep toddlers, young children, (and anyone learning to swim) within arm’s length (or five feet) of an adult with competent swimming abilities.
- Keep rescue equipment near the pool.
- Water should be clear, and the bottom of the pool should never feel slimy - if it does, that is an indication that the pool may not meet standards of cleanliness.
- Regularly check the chlorine and pH levels.
- Be aware. Just because a child knows how to swim, that does not guarantee that they are completely safe in the pool. Even outside of the water, they can still be injured by running on the slippery pool deck. The most important step is to always pay attention, and know how to utilize safety techniques.
If you or someone you know has been injured or killed as a result of a Phoenix swimming pool accident, you may have a claim. You may have the right to recover damages unless the negligent pool owner or home owner. There may be other claims that you can make as well when there is a pool injury or fatal accident.
Arizona personal injury attorneys, Alexis and Mark Breyer, are experienced attorneys who can help you on your swimming injury. Call 602-267-1280 for your free consultation with Alexis and Mark Breyer now before you lose your rights to your claim. Find out honest answers to your legal questions.
Additional Swimming Accident and Injury Information
- Swimming Pool Drowning Accident
- Swimming Pool Slip and Fall Accidents
- Swimming Pool Drowning in Phoenix
- Child Drowning Accident
- Drowning Related Brain Damage
- Arizona Pool Injuries and Pool Safety
- Arizona Liability in Swimming Pool Drownings
