Keeping Children Safe in Swimming Pools
California schools will be letting out soon, and that means that children will be spending more time in neighborhood and local swimming pools. Because in California, drowning is a major cause of injuries and deaths in children, it is important for parents to know how to keep them safe.
Swimming Risk by Age Group
How old a child is may affect their risk for drowning. A study by Consumer Reports states that drowning is the number one cause of deaths in children from ages 1 to 14. For 1 to 3-year-olds, drowning is the highest cause behind birth defects. Older children are most at risk when swimming in the ocean, river, or lake. Young children are more at risk in swimming pools.
Do Flotation Devices Make a Difference in Swimming Safety?
Yes, if you choose the proper one. The United States Coast Guard marks approved flotation devices with a seal, so that’s the first thing to look for. Purchasing the correct size that fits well matters too. In other words, take the time to do a little research, and make a wise purchase. Just because an older child has outgrown a flotation device doesn’t mean that it is appropriate protection for a younger child. In addition, water wings are more toys than life-saving devices and may actually be dangerous, according to the American Red Cross.
Getting the Proper Fit in a Flotation Device
We can thank the United States Coast Guard for providing good guidelines on getting the correct size and fit for flotation devices to protect children. The Coast Guard website offers this handy link, PFD Selection, Use, Wear & Care that helps parents know what to look for and how to choose the correct size for their children.
What Can Parents Do?
There are several things parents can do to make swimming safer for children.
- Take a class in CPR
- Insist on life jackets when swimming in ponds, the ocean, or rivers because these areas are more dangerous. Use life jackets on children in the pool when they are not good swimmers. For children who are poor swimmers, it is best for an adult to be nearby in the pool.
- Keep a swimming pool fenced and locked when not in use, or adult supervision is not available.
- Choose an adult to watch while children are swimming. Distractions such as chatting with someone or reading doesn’t count. When multiple adults are present, they can take turns keeping a lookout.
Negligence With Swimming Pools
In California, the victim of a swimming or diving accident must prove that the injury was caused by negligence. This is important when facing serious injuries such as spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury, That’s when an injured person needs an experienced swimming pool negligence lawyer for this complex area of premises liability.
Attorney Ed Smith
Thousand Oaks Personal Injury Lawyer
I’m Ed Smith, a Thousand Oaks personal injury lawyer. If you or a family member has been injured in a swimming pool accident or car accident, call (805) 372-0200 or (800) 404-5400 for advice that is friendly and free or use our online contact form.
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