We at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., enjoy swimming with our families during the hot Colorado summer. (Yes, even lawyers cut loose once in a while.) Who doesn’t? It’s a fun activity for the whole family.
But we want to remind you of the potential dangers at the swimming pool.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 3,536 people died from drowning every year from 2005 to 2014. What’s more, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children between the ages of 1 and 4. When you’re taking your family to the pool, it’s important that you follow safety guidelines carefully to avoid accidents.
How to Keep Your Family Safe at the Swimming Pool
We’ve made an acronym to help you remember these safety tips. Just remember that “piscina” is Spanish for pool.
- Prevention: A swimming pool should be surrounded by a fence that is at least six feet high to keep children out when not in use. The fence should have a locked gate. All steps, diving boards, ladders, and decks should be covered in non-slip materials. Always keep rescue and safety devices near the pool so they can be easily accessed when needed.
- Instruction: Children should be taught to float or swim at as young an age as possible.
- Supervision: Always make sure there is enough adult supervision when children are using the pool.
- Clarity: All water depths must be marked clearly and a safety float line should be used where the water level deepens. Never dive if you don’t know how deep the water is, and NEVER dive in the shallow end.
- Item safety: All electrical appliances, such as radios or tablets, should be kept out of the pool area to prevent the risk of electric shock.
- Notice things: Every time, make a regular check of the pool and all equipment to ensure that it is clean and safe. If you see something troubling or potentially dangerous, avoid it.
- Avoid risky behavior: You should never swim directly after eating, if you are taking medications, or if you have been drinking alcoholic beverages. Horseplay should be kept to a minimum.
Premises Liability Law
In the state of Colorado, pool-related injuries generally fall under the law of premises liability. This means that if the injury was due to unsafe conditions at the pool, the owner is liable for negligence. In order to win a premises liability case, you must be able to prove that the owner did not adequately maintain the property on which you were injured. Hiring an attorney is the best step towards getting restitution.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a swimming pool accident in Colorado, contact our experienced personal injury team. The Bussey Law Firm provides only high-quality care and attention to every case it takes on. Speak to a qualified lawyer today at (719) 475-2555.