Of Accidents in and around Swiming Pools

Hard with water can create a danger. A make shift “slip-n-slide” is the way many pool deck surfaces feel when they do not have the proper resistance to slipping. Parents are constantly yelling at their children, signs are posted at public pools, BUT…children often disobey causing slip and fall accidents. This, all too often, results in serious injuries. SIX PEOPLE DROWN IN POOLS IN THE UNITED STATES EVERY DAY! 30% of those who drown are children.

Pool and spa safety

To improve pool and spa safety, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) launched Pool Safely: Simple Steps to Save Lives, a national public education campaign to reduce childhood drowning’s, submersion injuries and entrapments. The campaign is a call-to-action for consumers and industry to adopt proven water safety steps and join a national conversation about pool and spa safety by sharing best practices and other life-saving information. The Pool Safely campaign carries out the provisions of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act (P&SS Act), federal legislation mandating new requirements for public pools and spas, including a public information campaign.

Local, state and federal regulations

Public pool and spa owners and operators should follow local, state and federal regulations to ensure the safety of their facilities. By checking to see if a public pool or spa is using appropriate water safety practices, you can further assure the safety of you, your family and your community. These are helpful questions to ask when you and your family visit a public pool or spa: Having the Appropriate Equipment Are there fences that limit access to the pool and spa? •Has the pool or spa been inspected to ensure it is compliant with federal and local laws and regulations? •Are the new safety drain covers being used in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act? •Do pool and spa pumps appear to be running? •Is there life-saving equipment such as life rings and reaching poles available for use?

Slip and fall injuries around pool decks are not uncommon

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there were 3,582 fatal unintentional injuries related to pools last year. Every year approximately 155,000 injuries occur in or around swimming pools many as a result of slip and fall injuries. (This does not include the number of injuries that happen at water features or water parks that are considered amusement parks by the CPSC.). Pool decks by their very nature have an inherent nature for slip and fall accidents because they are often slippery when wet. The law has specific requirements for marina dock and swimming pool owners and operators to prevent slip and fall accidents.

Take pictures

if you can remember to do this (or if you remember later after the accident), you should definitely make an effort to take pictures of the scene.

Value of your case
The value of a slip and fall depends on many things such as the facts of the case, the location, the amount of the insurance coverage, the amount of money that the defendant has, how bad the injury is, and the defendants efforts at creating a safe environment. Of course....a good attorney might make a big difference as well. The cost of a slip and fall injury is not the only thing they are looking at.