Swimming Pool Slip and Fall Accidents

A “slip and fall” injury can occur when a person slips, trips, or falls as a result of a dangerous or hazardous condition on someone else’s property. These types of accidents can be of particular concern to older adults, who may be less resilient and more susceptible to broken bones or other complications stemming from a fall.

If you are using a pool on someone else’s property and fall as a result of a dangerous condition, the landowner or property manager may be liable for your injuries. Some risks associated with swimming pool slip and fall accidents include:

1. Unforgiving concrete decks that become slick with water. Algae can bloom on the surface of decks, making them even more slippery and dangerous.
2. Safety covers secured by anchors that have been drilled into the deck which can be a tripping hazard if they are not flush.
3. Shifting ground around a pool, decking or paving which can become cracked and uneven, creating a tripping hazard.
4. Pools or decks under construction that pose hazards from pooled water and uneven surfaces.
5. Gates that are not properly secured can be a problem if children attempt to get into the pool area.
6. Spills of oily suntan lotion and concession stand products like beer or ice cream that can make surfaces slippery.
7. Pool area bathrooms and dressing rooms that are wet from foot traffic which pose a slipping hazard and are often fitted with concrete or tile that makes falls especially dangerous.
8. Defective pools or pool equipment, such as cracked stairs leading into or up to a pool or deck area.
9. Diving boards made of slippery materials.
10. Diving boards or slides that are poorly constructed and can result in severe spine or neck damage.

HOW TO REDUCE YOUR RISK OF SWIMMING POOL SLIP AND FALL ACCIDENTS IN NEW JERSEY
There is no way to avoid all accidents around a pool. However, there are steps you can take to protect yourself while swimming, including:

1. Walking slowly around pool areas
2. Wearing shoes with traction
3. Not diving in from the side of the pool where water is shallow
4. Wearing a flotation device and making sure all children in your party are also wearing them
5. Locating rescue floatation devices around the pool before entering the water
6. Learning CPR in case of an emergency
7. Making sure there is a lifeguard on duty