Summer time is the time where many converge to the pool to survive the long hot days. Those dog days of summer at the pool come with many risks. Here at Shiner Law Group, your safety is our top priority. That’s why we built this Summer Safety Series to make sure you know what to do in these summer months around the pool.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) say that from 2005-2014, there was an average of 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings. One in 5 of these were children under 14, and for every one of these children, another five visit the ER for submersion injuries.
Swimming is a great recreational sport that all ages can enjoy. Because drowning can be quick and quiet, knowing how to be safe while you are in the water is important. Your friends at Shiner Law Group encourage you to stay safe with the following tips:
- Children under five around water should have an adult within an arm’s length, at all time providing “touch supervision.” This adult would preferably have the ability to perform CPR
- Swim in areas supervised by lifeguards. Never swim alone. Bring a buddy.
- Avoid distractions when supervising children around water. Never leave children unattended near water. Teach them to always ask permission and don’t trust one child’s life to another child.
- Make sure everyone in your family learns to swim well. Enroll in one of the many learn-to-swim courses that the Red Cross has to offer.
- Have inexperienced swimmers and children wear U.S. Coast Guard approved flotation aids, (not inflatable ones) but don’t rely on them alone.
- If you have a pool in your home, secure it. Many drowning deaths of infants occur at home. Have 4-foot fences around all four sides of the pool without openings or protrusions that a young child could use to get over, under, or through. Make sure the gates open out from the pool and are self-latching at a height that a toddler can’t reach. Be sure to have alarms on all gates surrounding pools and consider under water wave alarms.
- If a child goes missing, check the water first. Every second count in preventing death or disability.
- Have emergency equipment on hand, such as life vests, first aid kits, shepherds hook, and cell phones. Make sure you know how, and when to call local emergency services.
- Enroll in a home pool/water safety class, and CPR/AED at your local Red Cross to keep you prepared to respond to emergencies.
- Wear skin protection. Sunscreen with at least 15 SPF, and UV resistant clothing and sunglasses.
- Make sure the pool is in full working order in compliance with Pool and Spa Safety Act to avoid entrapment or injury from suction from pool and spa drains. The suction will trap a swimmer underwater
- It is easy to become dehydrated while having fun under the sun, so drink plenty of water, even if you are not thirsty. It is also a good idea to avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
We hope you found these tips helpful. Check out more Beach Safety Tips in our previous blog post. Stay informed with our safety tips by checking our blog. Your friends at #ShinerLawGroup encourage you to stay safe this summer. Should you find yourself injured by someone else’s negligence, let us help. Call 561-777-7700 for a FREE Consultation. Have Fun!
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