Drowning is the second leading cause of death for children, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even a non-fatal water accident can cause severe brain, spinal cord, or other injuries.
Following a few simple pool safety tips can decrease the risk of accidents and injuries and help you and your family enjoy a safe, fun summer.
- First, always supervise children near a pool. The adult in charge of watching the children should not be distracted by other things, like books or television. Keep a phone near the pool in case emergency help is required. Teach children they’re not allowed in the water or on the pool deck without an adult to watch them. If children cannot swim, put them in a personal flotation device. Do not substitute inflatable or floating pool toys for a personal flotation device, since they are not designed to protect non-swimmers.
- Next, keep pools fenced in. A swimming pool should be surrounded by a fence that is at least four feet high and has self-latching gates. Latches should be placed high enough on gates that children cannot reach them, and gates should open outward. If the house serves as the fourth side of a fence, install a door alarm and window guards so children cannot enter the pool area accidentally or unannounced.
- Finally, keep the pool deck clear of toys, puddles, and other trip or slip hazards. Leaving toys on the pool deck may entice children, and hoses, pool equipment, and puddles left lying around might cause a fall. Keep the pool deck neat and orderly, and teach children never to run in the pool area.
Severe injuries are traumatic, but never more so than when they involve a child. If your child has been injured in an accident, the dedicated New Hampshire child injury attorneys at Tenn And Tenn, P.A. may be able to help. Call us at (888) 332-5855 today for a free consultation.