Taking the kids to the pool can be a fun and popular activity during the warm summer months. It keeps kids active on the hottest days of the year.
However, there are several risks that parents should be aware of when they take their family to the pool, and a fun day at the pool could take a frightening turn quicker than expected.
Pool owners could be held liable for injuries on their property
Pool owners, including friends and family, are responsible for regular maintenance of their pools and for the safety of all family, visitiors and users of the pool.
Pool owners have an obligation to:
- Post adequate warnings and safety instructions
- Mark the depth changes in the pool accurately
- Provide proper safety and rescue equipment
- Maintain diving boards, ladders and other facilities
- Maintain and clean the water in the pool
- Meet all safety codes
There are general safety codes that pool owners must meet across the country. However, Pennsylvania also has its own codes owners must meet. Visitors can review these rules to ensure the pools they visit are up to code.
What are the most common pool injuries?
As fun as a day at the pool can be, there is a high risk of sustaining a severe injury. Poolside surfaces can be slippery, and a diving board could be old and improperly maintained.
Dangerous conditions like this can lead to many injuries, including:
- Head and tailbone injuries from a slip and fall
- Infections, rashes or burns from improper water treatment
- Brain damage or respiratory issues from near-drowning injuries
- Serious internal injuries from pool drains
- Spine or neck injuries from poorly constructed diving boards or slides
No one expects life-changing accidents like these to happen to them. That is why it is critical to be aware of these risks. That way, individuals can keep their children and themselves safe at the pool.
How families can help prevent pool injuries
There is no doubt that property owners are responsible for maintaining their property and preventing injuries. However, there are a few steps that parents can take to protect their family at the pool, including:
- Ensure children have proper supervision
- Make sure pools have proper drain covers
- Determine when the pool was inspected last
- Enroll in a class to learn CPR
- Keep a phone nearby in case of emergencies
Pool accidents might be few and far in between, but it is important to understand the dangers and have a strategy to improve family safety for a trip to the pool.
