Swimming Pools Can Be Dangerous, So Take Precautions

Swimming pools are generally places to have fun and enjoy time with family and friends. However, these are also places that can pose risks for accidents. The owners of swimming pools are responsible for keeping the pools in the areas around the pool safe for swimmers. You may be eligible for financial compensation if you or a loved one has sustained an injury in or around the swimming pool area.

Swimming pool and hot tub injuries

The most common cause of injury or death at swimming pools is drowning. There are also other types of severe injuries which can take place at a public or private pool and serve as the basis for a premises liability lawsuit. These include:

• Head and neck: Many serious injuries occur due to individuals diving into pools in shallow water. These injuries usually occur to the head and neck and can lead to long term consequences for the victim. It is important that pool owners post proper warning signs about diving risks and dangers in addition to water depth levels.
• Scalding:Hot tubs and spas often operate at high water temperatures that can be dangerous to sensitive adults and children, leading to scalding and overheating injuries.
• Suction drain injuries:Pool drains often exert powerful suction forces that can cause serious, disabling injuries if proper safety precautions and protections are not put in place.

Safety measures for residential pools

The following safety measures are vital to help ensure the safety of individuals using residential pools or hot tubs:

• Fencing: It is important to enclose a pool or hot tub with at least a 4’ tall fence. The fence should have vertical slats with gaps no greater than 4” wide. In addition, the fence should not be positioned more than 4” off the ground. At the same time, the fence should prevent a clear view of the pool from outside of the fenced area. It is important to install self-latching gates with the fence that open away from the pool. Whenever you are not around or using an aboveground pool, it is important to remove any steps or ladders that lead up to the pool.
• Alarms: An alarm installed on the gate or on any door that leads to the pool is a helpful safety device, particularly if you have small children. These alarms can detect any disturbances on the water and will sound off if a child or pet falls into the water. However, these alarms should not replace proper adult supervision.
• Quick access to emergency equipment: It is important to have a phone near the pool at all times in case you or anyone needs to call 911. In addition, other safety devices such as ropes, life rings, and reaching poles should be easily accessible in the pool area if they are needed to help rescue anyone drowning.
• Safe drains: The drains in pools and hot tubs must comply with all pertinent government regulations. Defective drains can lead to suction that causes a drowning accident or other injuries.

Property owners are responsible for preventing access to pools by unsupervised children in addition to the general public. Operators of public pools also have a responsibility to ensure safety warnings and rules are clearly posted. Any failure on the part of pool operators or owners to protect others as much as is reasonably possible, can leave these individuals liable for any injuries or fatalities that result.

At Barry, Barall, Taylor & Levesque, LLC, our premises liability attorneys are here to help you recover any deserved compensation you are owed in the aftermath of an injury you have suffered on someone else’s property due to their negligence. Call us at 860.649.4400 or use our contact form to schedule a free consultation appointment. We serve clients in and around Hartford and Manchester, CT.