Summer Pool Safety Tips
Whether you head to the pool in your backyard, at the community center, or to the beach this summer, swimming is a great way to relax and cool off. But, each year, thousands of people are injured while swimming. If you or a loved one are injured, contact an Orlando personal injury lawyer with 911 Biker Law. Our firm assists people with personal injury claim related to swimming injuries each year.
Common Pool & Swimming Injuries
A fun day of swimming can quickly change in a matter of seconds. While all types of injuries can occur around a pool and/or while swimming, three of the most common are diving injuries; slips, trips, and falls; and submersion and drowning.
Diving Injuries
Diving injuries often result from diving head-first into water that’s too shallow for safe diving. Examples are head, neck, and spinal injuries from the head striking the bottom of the pool, and broken arms and/or legs.
Slips, Trips & Falls
Anywhere there’s water, there’s the chance for slips, trips, and falls as the surfaces around the water become wet. One way to avoid a slip, trip, or fall injury is to always walk, never run, around a pool or body of water.
Submersion & Drowning
According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is the fifth-leading cause of unintentional injury death in the United States. Children under age four are most at-risk in home swimming pools while older children and adults are more at-risk in a natural water setting, such as a lake, ocean, or river.
All ages can reduce the risk of a submersion and/or drowning injury by participating in formal swimming lessons. But keep in mind swimming lessons aren’t a substitution for constant supervision while swimming and around water.
Tips to Stay Safe Around The Pool
As summer kicks into high gear throughout Central Florida, 911 Biker Law has a few tips on how to stay safe around the pool, or any water, this summer.
Only Dive From The Diving Board
This rule of thumb is the best way to prevent diving injuries. Many public and community-area pools have depths marked on the pool deck or pool wall, but private pools often don’t. You may know what’s the safe diving area in your personal pool, but someone else’s pool may have enough of a depth variance to result in a serious injury.
Always Keep An Eye On Kids
Even if your kids and their friends have been swimming for years and are strong swimmers, always keep an eye on them in the pool. They can be distracted by something in or out of the pool in a matter of seconds.
Use The Buddy System
Swimming alone is relaxing for many people, yet the strongest swimmers are still at risk of developing a cramp or dizziness. Using the buddy system while swimming, whether in a backyard pool or at the beach, is advised.
Keep The Pool Deck Clear
Pool toys, chairs, and other outdoor items can quickly build up on the pool deck. Keeping them tidied up to reduce the chance of slips, trips, and falls for people. It’ll also lessen the temptation for a child to wander outside to play near the pool without supervision.
Install Four-Sided Fencing
Fencing should completely separate the pool area from a house and yard and be at least four-feet high. Self-closing and self-latching gates are also recommended.
What To Do If You’ve Been Injured While Swimming
If you or someone else has been injured while swimming, the first thing to do is remain calm. While this may seem easier said than done, panicking often exacerbates the situation. Next, call 911 for medical help. Often injuries are internal and need medical attention as soon as possible. If the person is unconscious, after removing them from the water, begin CPR while waiting for an ambulance. Knowing how to perform CPR for children and adults often means the difference between life and death during a swimming accident.
Personal Injury Attorney in Orlando, FL
Swimming in a pool, ocean, or any body of water during the summer is a regular event for many people. But whether it’s momentary inattention or negligence on the part of someone else, personal injuries are all too common. When one happens, you want help from 911 Biker Law, the Orlando firm that stands above other personal injury law firms. Our attorneys take great care and time to ensure you receive lawful compensation after a personal injury from swimming. Contact our firm today to discuss your case.
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