Last week, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warned American parents that around 390 children drown in swimming pools annually. Here in Florida, where swimming pools are a summer necessity, this statistic has potentially big consequences for Miami families.
According to the CPSCs report, the majority of drowning victims are small children under age five. Another 5,000 children below age 15 suffer injuries in swimming pools or spas.
This highlights the role that appropriate supervision can play in preventing swimming pool accidents. Parents and other adults have a responsibility to keep a careful eye on swimming children.
Premises liability law requires property owners to recognize the risks that swimming pools pose. For example, most pool owners know that it is important to maintain a child-proof fence. Proper supervision requires more than just building a fence, however. Adults who allow children to swim need to remember that children often encounter problems. When supervising adults fail to live up to their responsibilities, they may be liable for wrongful death or other personal injuries.
Source: ABC 15, “390 kids drown in US pools each year, reports find,” Silvia Rodriguez, May 23, 2013
