How Pool Accidents Happen In Florida - And How They Can Be Prevented

Florida is the home to an estimated 300,000 swimming pools - but unfortunately our state also consistently holds the record for the most pool injury and pool drowning cases per year according to the Center for Disease Control. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of death for small children in Florida. Sadly, with our temperate climate and love of water recreation comes the potential for tragic and deadly pool accidents.

Many of these pool accidents could be prevented if not for negligence or carelessness of the owner of the pool. In some cases, pool owners have not properly fenced or covered their pool. In other cases, pool owner do not provide appropriate warnings, safety features, or supervision for their pool guests.

In 2009, the Florida legislature passed the Preston de Ibern/McKenzie Merriam Residential Swimming Pool Safety Act, which was designed to better protect children from pool accidents. The law requires that all pool, spa, and hot tub owners protect others from swimming accidents with an approved safety devices, such as a four-foot fence or a pool cover. All doors and windows leading to pools must be equipped with an alarm system, while all gates leading to a pool must be self-closing and self-locking. Those who violate these laws can be charged with a second-degree misdemeanor and must attend a drowning prevention education program.

Besides properly installing fencing and safety gates, what can pool owners and parents do to prevent child swimming accidents?

• Install anti-entrapment drain covers. A significant number of drowning accidents occur when children are caught underwater due to pool drains.
• Constantly supervise children. A drowning accident can take place in a matter of minutes, and in too many cases, parents are at the pool but not paying attention to pool activities.
• Have a phone by the pool. In case of a pool accident, a swift emergency response is key to saving lives and preventing permanent injury. Keep a cell phone or cordless phone with you.
• Remember that inflatable toys are not lifejackets. Children should never be allowed to relay upon an inflatable toy as a floatation device.
• Know the appropriate medical response to a drowning accident. Many communities offer free lessons on pool safety and CRP.
• Make sure your children take swimming lessons as soon as they are old enough. Although being able to swim won't prevent all drowning accidents, it will better protect against pool accidents and reduce the probability of water injuries and drowning.
• Remove pool toys from the pool when not in use. Pool toys can attract children to the water when the pool is not in use. During use, too many pool toys in the water can distract you from keeping tabs on your children.
• Realize that spas and hot tubs are dangers, too. Though small and relatively shallow, toddlers can easily drown or become injured in these tubs, especially if they are not securely covered when not in use.

If your child or loved one was injured or killed in a Florida pool accident that should have been prevented by the pool's owner, you should speak to a knowledgeable Florida premises liability attorney immediately. You may be able to receive compensation for what you have suffered - and prevent a similar incident from happening to someone else. Contact us today.