Many California families look forward to swimming in their own or public pools in the summer because of the great weather and fun activities. Swimming is fun, especially for your kids, but it’s also an important time to think about pool safety, so everyone can have a good time without any mishaps or accidents.  

Many swimming pool accidents occur every year, especially during the summer months. California has worked hard to advise parents about safety measures to prevent dangerous accidents and encourage the institution of drowning prevention measures. Safety videos geared toward children are even available to teach them how to stay safe when at a swimming pool.

A study conducted by Consumer Reports found that young children are most apt to drown in a swimming pool, while older kids drown more in the ocean, rivers, or lakes. You may be surprised to know that drowning is the leading cause of death in children between the ages of one and 14. 

With the assistance of the United States Coast Guard, this is easier than you might think. You want a flotation device for your child that is effective and can help guarantee their safety while in the water. Buying a flotation device is as simple as looking for the USCG seal of approval and ensuring it fits and is the right size. The use of children’s water wings, as well as flotation devices, is not enough protection. Having water wings on an infant or child can actually prevent them from swimming or coming off, providing poor protection from drowning. It is good to do your homework before purchasing a flotation device because there are five types approved by the USCG.

Swimming pools in public areas include those found in communities, neighborhoods, schools, hotels, and other locations. All public pools that charge a fee in California must have a lifeguard and display signs indicating that it is not staffed if one is not available. Wave pools are included in this requirement. As well as being certified, lifeguards must take first aid and cardiopulmonary courses. If the location provides instructions on swimming, the teacher must hold current certification from the American Red Cross or YMCA and the first aid and CPR certification.

The requirements for daycare centers are similar. Staff must supervise the children, and kids under 12 months receive one-to-one care. As the child grows, the ratio changes. For example, children ages one to three receive a 2:1 ratio, while those aged four to five receive a 4:1 ratio of supervision. If proper care is not provided at a public pool and someone is injured, liability would lie with the owner or manager, and the party who was harmed may be able to file a claim to recover compensation.

Having drain covers in pools is the law because they present entrapment dangers that can be lethal when uncovered. This is because people can get their arms, legs, or hair entangled in a pool drain, which prevents them from surfacing.

You may own your own pool or use a public pool with your family. Often, employees at public pools will be unaware if the grounding and wiring have been inspected. If a family member suffers a shock or electrocution injury, our swimming pool accident lawyers in Livermore can help you obtain the compensation you deserve.

The electrical system of a home pool can be controlled by the owner. A certified electrician should first inspect the pool’s electrical setup. A ground-fault circuit interrupter, or GFCI, would automatically turn off the electricity, preventing electrocution. The most common uses for GFCIs are:

• Light circuits with a voltage of 15 volts or higher
• Any electrical outlets within a 20-foot radius of the swimming pool
• Electrical equipment for swimming pools and hot tubs that use heaters

Every year, the GFCI should be tested. An electrician should replace it if it malfunctions.

In many cases, faulty grounding, bonding, or wiring can cause an electrical problem in a swimming pool that can be dangerous. The wiring may be old or was installed by someone other than an electrician and doesn’t meet code. Check that lights are functioning properly. If they are not, there may be a short in the system. 

Equipment may also not be adequately grounded. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, defective grounding should be avoided because it presents an electrocution hazard. A conducting wire must be connected to the ground, and without this connection, anyone swimming in the pool can become the ground. All things that hold water and are close to or use electric current have the same problems. You should also inspect your hot tub.

A minimum five-foot fence must surround private and public pools. Spacing between fences and the ground cannot exceed two inches, and fencing gaps cannot exceed four inches on each side. Auto-closing, self-latching gates and doors are required. At your home, always keep gates securely locked when the pool is not in use. If an accident occurs at a private residence, the injured party may be able to place a premises liability claim to recover damages.

• Children should never be left unsupervised in the water.
• CPR training is essential.
• Taking swimming lessons is a good idea if your children cannot swim.
• Ensure a designated watcher is present whenever you have children around the pool.
• Be sure to caution children to avoid being near drains in hot tubs and pools because they present a major danger.
• Enclose swimming pools safely with fencing and a locked gate, and cover pools when they are not in use. Consider installing an alarm as an extra safety measure. 

A Livermore swimming pool accident lawyer can help you if you or a loved one were injured or died. Many swimming pool accidents are caused by the pool owner’s negligence or defective equipment. Before the cause of the accident disappears or is covered over, it must be investigated as soon as possible. 

We have extensive resources and know-how in handling swimming pool accidents in Livermore. Since swimming pool accidents can result in catastrophic injuries or even death, it is imperative to carefully investigate the accident to obtain the evidence needed to support the client’s claim and ensure maximum compensation. 

Here are some related articles by Livermore swimming pool accident lawyer Ed Smith:

• Defective Pool Pumps and Filters
• How to Prevent Deaths and Injuries by Drowning

Following a personal injury accident, as explained by attorney Ed Smith, here are a few tips for choosing a lawyer:

I’m Ed Smith, a Livermore swimming pool accident lawyer. Swimming accidents can ruin summer fun, so take care to prevent them. Accidents do happen, however. For free and friendly advice, call the injury lawyers at AutoAccident.com at (916) 921-6400 or (800) 404-5400. You can also reach us online. 

We understand how such an incident can be devastating because our lawyers and staff have children of our own. Although no amount of compensation can relieve the pain the family shares when someone they love has been injured or dies, recovering damages for the accident can help avoid similar incidents happening in the future. Click the following link to find out how we have assisted others at Verdicts and Settlements.

Photo attribution: by Jan Haerer from Pixabay 

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