Every year over 1,000 children (about 25% younger than 5 years old) die in swimming related accidents and over 5,000 other children are hospitalized. Additionally, over 200 children are killed every year in spas and whirlpools.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, between 2010 and 2012, it was estimated that there were 5,100 pool or spa related submersion injuries that were treated in a hospital emergency department. There were 390 pool or spa related fatalities reported every year for 2008 through 2010. These reports involved children under the age of 15. Most of these injuries and fatalities were associated with pools.
Swimming pools and hot tubs are hazards for toddlers and small children when they are left uncovered or unsecured. Under New York law, homeowners are required to obtain a permit prior to installing a swimming pool or hot tub. Once a permit is obtained, the local inspectors and electricians can ensure that all safety measures are being followed.
Adults can also experience swimming accidents. Many adults suffer severe injuries when they have combined alcohol and swimming. Additionally, severe spinal cord injuries can result when a person dives into shallow water.
Swimming accidents happen for a variety of reasons, such as:
- Diving board mishaps;
- Diving in shallow water;
- Electrocution;
- Failure to cover the pool or hot tub;
- Inadequate fencing;
- Inadequate warning signs;
- Lack of supervision; and
- No lifeguards or improperly trained lifeguards.
A child can drown in only a few moments. The majority of swimming pool accidents happen because of a failure to properly secure the swimming pool. Many drowning accidents occur to children under the age of four and could have been prevented.
Above Ground Pools – Ensuring the safety ladder is either latched or the ladder is removed is one simple way to ensure that a small child will not accidentally fall into your pool. If your pool is off the deck, be sure that there is a gate that is securely latched after each use. Regardless of whether a child is in the house, or outside, safety precautions need to be in place and followed to prevent a drowning accident.
Inground PoolsThe area around an inground pool should be securely fenced since it is easy for a child to fall into an inground pool.
The Hudson swimming pool accident attorneys at Greenberg and Greenberg handle cases throughout New York State, including Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, and Albany County. Our legal team has earned a reputation for dedicated service to our clients injured in New York personal injury accidents. Please contact us today to receive a FREE case evaluation by dialing locally to 518-828-3336 or call toll free at 877-469-9300.