The beginning of summer is an exciting time of year. With holidays such as the Fourth of July approaching, people begin to throw barbecues and pool parties for loved ones to come enjoy. While pools can be a good means of entertainment, they can also be very dangerous. If they are not looked after properly, swimming accidents can happen that cause serious injuries or even death. It is crucial for pool owners to know how to keep their guests safe and prevent accidents from happening.
Pool Safety Precaution
Pool owners have an obligation to secure the area surrounding their pool to keep the general public protected. It is possible for people who are not even invited onto the property to become injured by their pool if it is not safe. To ensure this, owners can take certain steps to keep their guests safe on the Fourth of July:
- Never leave a child unattended in the water or near it
- If there is a deep end where guests cannot stand, make sure they are able to swim properly
- Stay away from drains and have covers for them
- Install barriers, covers, alarms, and fencing on and around the pool
- Stow away portable ladders when they are not being used. Sometimes, small children who are unable to swim are attracted to pools. If the ladder is removed safely, the child will not be able to climb into the pool and harm themselves
- It can be beneficial to know how to perform CPR in the event that a swimmer is drowning
- Swim sober
- Keep electronic devices away from the poor to avoid electrocution
- Inform all swimmers of shallow areas where they cannot dive
Compensation for Swimming Pool Accidents
It is the unfortunate reality that not all pool owners take these measures to ensure the safety of others. If they fail to do so, people can be put at great risk. When someone is injured in a swimming accident due to negligence, they often wish to hold the pool owner responsible. In doing so, they may be able to receive compensation for any damages incurred as a result of the accident.
Proving Negligence
In order to hold a pool owner responsible for an accident, the injured party must pursue a personal injury lawsuit. During this process, they must prove that the pool owner was obligated to secure the pool grounds and failed to do so. In addition to this, they are required to show that their negligence is what caused the accident and the injuries. Evidence that can be useful can include pictures or videos of the pool, medical documentation of the injuries, and any witnesses.
Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know was involved in an accident and wish to speak with an experienced attorney, contact the legal team at McNerny & McAuliffe today.
