Did you know that more than 300 children under the age of five drown in swimming pools and spas in the U.S. each year? Drowning can occur quickly and silently. In fact, drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages 1-4.1 According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), each year over 3,000 children are rushed to the ER because of pool or spa-related accidents.
Many of the deaths and permanent injuries associated with pools and spas can be prevented. With some forethought and careful monitoring, you and your loved ones can stay safe and cool while enjoying your Florida pool. Follow these important pool safety tips adapted from poolsafely.com whenever you are near a pool or spa.
Never leave a child unattended around a pool, spa, bath tub, or any water.
- Stay alert! Stay close! Always watch children when they are in or near a pool or spa.
- Check the Pool First! If a child is missing, search the pool or spa first.
- Sign Up for Swim Lessons. Register your children for swimming and basic water safety lessons.
- Learn CPR. Learn CPR and basic lifesaving so you can assist in an emergency. Keep your certification current.
- Stay Away from Drains. Keep children away from pool drains and pipes to avoid potential entrapment problems.
- Keep a cell phone nearby.
- Find a WW. Assign an adult Water Watcher to watch children in or near the pool or spa. Check out http://www.safekids.org/poolsafety and print out this card for your pool. http://www.safekids.org/other-resource/water-watcher-card
If you have a pool (even a portable pool) or spa, the following equipment is necessary to maintain basic pool safety.
- Install Perimeter Fencing. Install a 4-foot fence around the pool and/or spa perimeter with self-closing and self-latching gates. Install a door and pool alarm if a wall of your home forms part of the perimeter of the pool.
- Maintain Your Pool. Service the pool regularly and make sure drain covers are complaint.
- Install Alarms. Install pool and gate alarms to alert you when anyone is near pool or spa, install a safety cover with locking device for your spa, and consider installing a surface wave or underwater alarms.
- Keep it Close. Keep life saving equipment and a First Aid Kit easily accessible.
If you’re visiting a public pool, spa or recreational area, stay close and never leave children unattended.
- Stay alert! Stay close! Always watch children when they are in or near a pool or spa.
- Check the Pool First! If a child is missing, search the pool or spa first.
- Keep a cell phone nearby.
- Find a WW. Assign an adult Water Watcher to watch children in or near pool.
- Sign Up for Swim Lessons. Register your children for swimming and basic water safety lessons.
- Learn CPR. Learn CPR and basic lifesaving and keep your certifications current.
- Stay Away from Drains. Keep children away from pool drains and pipes to avoid potential entrapment problems.
Share these important pool tips with your friends, neighbors, and family. Visit www.PoolSafely.gov for more information.
1www.PoolSafely.gov by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Do you have questions about pool safety and the law? Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can answer them. Contact us at (954) 428-9333 or www.goldmandaszkal.com.
Goldman & Daszkal, P.A.
Since 1990, Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. has provided reputable legal representation to people throughout Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami-Dade Counties. The firm has helped thousands of individuals recover compensation from motor vehicle and boating accidents, slip and fall accidents, product defect and liability cases, pharmacy errors, and negligent security cases to cover medical expenses, pay bills, take care of their families, and return to work. Goldman & Daszkal, P.A. can help you get the relief you need to start living your life again after a serious injury. For a free and confidential consultation, contact Goldman & Daszkal, P.A., at (954) 428-9333.