As the weather continues to warm up, beach days and pool outings are likely on the list of activities for New York families. It is important for all of us to learn and understand how to stay safe in and near the water. Drowning is often referred to as the “silent killer” because children can so easily slip below the water’s surface without a sound and drown within a matter of seconds. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), reports that drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1 to 4.
According to the CDC, there were 3,533 deaths from 2005 to 2009 as a result of drowning. This averages out to about 10 drowning deaths every day in the United States. More than half of drowning victims require emergency treatment or hospitalization.
Staying Safe:
Parental supervision is critical when it comes to keeping children safe in the water. A moment of distraction such as turning around to talk to someone or answering a phone call or even sending or receiving a text message, can result in a tragedy. All adults supervising children near a pool should know how to swim and learn how to administer CPR. Backyard pools should be fenced off to prevent children from falling into the pool unnoticed. While at the lake or ocean, make sure children are wearing life vests. Life vests are also a good choice for young children in a swimming pool. However, floatation devices are not a substitute for supervision. Parents should always have their eyes on the water. Constantly survey the area to ensure your children are safe. Avoid reading books, playing games or talking on the phone while watching the water.
Injuries and Liability:
Children who survive a drowning incident may suffer serious injuries. Being submerged and without oxygen for too long can cause devastating brain injuries, which may lead to memory loss and learning disabilities. In some cases, a child could suffer permanent brain damage.
Parents of children involved in a drowning incident may be able to seek compensation if it is found someone else’s negligence contributed to the accident. For example, if a public pool is without a lifeguard or if a private homeowner does not have their pool fenced off, they may be found liable for the accident. Compensation may include but is not limited to, hospitalization costs, medical expenses, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
Contacting an Injury Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming pool accident, the experienced personal injury attorney at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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