Preventing Swimming Pool Accidents and Drownings This Summer

Since summer is here and school is out, more and more Hanover, PA residents are heading to the pools to enjoy some fun in the water. However, the warmer weather always means more swimming pool accidents and drownings are on the horizon.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are around 4,000 fatal unintentional drownings each year in the United States, which is about 11 fatal drownings every single day. That said, it is extremely important that you are aware of these 10 tips to help you prevent swimming pool accidents and drownings this summer in Hanover, PA.

1. Make sure you can see your children when they are swimming in a private or public pool

If you are a parent, you should always keep your eyes on your children when they are swimming. Whether you are at a private or public pool, it can be tempting to pull out a book and enjoy the sunshine. However, it is highly recommended that you supervise your children to ensure that they are not involved in a swimming pool accident or drowning, which can happen instantly and quietly without you knowing.

2. Make sure that you or someone else knows CPR

By taking a CPR class, you may be able to prevent drownings and save lives. It can take some time for law enforcement officers and paramedics to arrive at a private or public pool. Therefore, if you know CPR, you may be able to step in and help your or someone else’s child before authorities get there.

3. Have a first aid kit and cell phone on hand at all times

A child or adult can trip or become injured near a swimming pool at any time. Therefore, it is critical to have a first aid kit and cell phone on hand. The first aid kit will have band-aids and other materials to cover up any cuts or lacerations, and a cell phone will allow you to dial 9-1-1 in case you or another person needs an ambulance to arrive right away.

4. Never swim alone

It is very important that you never swim alone. The reason for this is because if you bump your head or have an accident, you can drown without anyone knowing or being there to assist you. It is also recommended that you teach your children to never swim alone. Instead, they should always make sure that a friend is nearby as well as a lifeguard.

5. Do not swim during a thunderstorm

You should always check the weather before getting into a swimming pool. If there are thunderstorms on the way, it is suggested that you avoid getting into water. The reason for this is because lightning can strike a person while they are in water, making swimming pools a very dangerous and risky place to be during a thunderstorm.

6. Do not leave toys in a private or public swimming pool

When children are playing outside of a private or public pool, they may be tempted to go into the swimming pool if they see a toy floating around. This can happen within a matter of seconds and can lead to a traumatic and devastating accident. Therefore, it is crucial that you take toys out of the swimming pool if they are no longer being played with by swimmers.

7. Do not dive in shallow water

You should never dive in a pool that is less than six feet deep. This can cause you to hit your head on the bottom of the pool, which can lead to a traumatic brain injury, skull fracture, spinal cord injury, paralysis, and more.

8. Try to avoid drinking alcohol when swimming, supervising, or standing close to a pool

Many people associate swimming or hanging out by the pool with drinking alcoholic beverages and socializing with friends. However, it is important that you remember to never drink too much alcohol while swimming, supervising, or even standing close to a pool. Alcoholic beverages slow down your reactions and problem-solving skills, which can lead to you or a child you are supervising drowning.

9. Have life vests on hand for those who do not know how to swim

Some parents buy their children blow up toys to use to keep them afloat, but the truth is that these toys should not be used as a form of safety. Instead, you should have life vests at your private pool for those who do not know how to swim. If you are visiting a public pool, you should bring life vests or ask the pool staff if life vests are available for individuals still learning how to swim.

10. If you feel tired, do not keep swimming

Swimming can make you exhausted quickly. Therefore, no matter how much fun you are having, it is critical that you remain aware of how you feel. If you feel tired, sick, dehydrated, or even too hot, you should get out of the pool until you feel better.

What is entrapment, and why do you need to know about it?

Entrapment is when a person is stuck to a suction or drain in a swimming pool. Their hair, limbs, fingers, toes, or entire body can become entrapped, which is typically life-threatening and happens most often to children 15 years of age and younger. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were 11 individuals who experienced entrapment from 2014 to 2018.

You need to know about entrapment to prevent it from happening to you, a family member, or your children this summer. It usually occurs when the swimming pool pumps are running too fast or if your drain covers are missing or broken. If you own a pool, it is recommended that you have an emergency button to shut off the pumps right away. You should also have your pool inspected by a professional every summer to make sure that there are no missing or broken pieces as well as to learn about anything you can do to make your pool safer for swimmers.

If you or a family member is injured in a swimming pool accident or drowning, contact the Hanover personal injury attorneys at KBG Injury Law as soon as possible. We will listen to your experience, investigate to determine who is at fault, gather evidence to support your claim, and develop a strong argument against the responsible parties. Our attorneys take these cases very seriously, and we will do whatever it takes to stand up for your right to the compensation you deserve. To get started on your case, please fill out our contact form today. We are located in York, Lancaster, Hanover, Harrisburg, and Gettysburg for your convenience.