Summer has arrived. For many of us here in Florida, that means our recreational plans will frequently involve being in, on, or around water. Backyard and neighborhood pools will soon be full of activity with school on pause for the next few months.
Unfortunately, with easy access to pools in South Florida, the risk for water-related accidents is higher for our communities. The Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children issued a recent warning after reporting a 600% rise in child pool-related drownings from March to April 2021, compared to the same time in 2020. Additionally, more than 40 kids have already fatally drowned in Florida this year, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
Parents of toddlers are urged to be especially cautious as nationwide, the highest risk group for drowning is two-year-olds. Two-year-olds have about a three times higher risk of drowning than the rest of the population, amounting to about 360 drowning deaths among two-year-olds per year.
Take Action to Avoid Pool Accidents
Follow these five tips to keep children safe from drowning and keep pool time fun:
- Enroll in swimming lessons. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends swimming lessons for children as early as one year old. Put children at less risk of injury when they learn basic swim skills including entering the water, coming to the surface, turning around, propelling through the water for at least 25 yards, and being able to exit the water. Contact your local parks and recreation department for information about swim classes in your area and related information.
- Learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Help keep your loved ones safe when you learn CPR. The Red Cross offers affordable classes at more than 550 locations across the US with online and in-person options.
- Always have adult supervision. When children are in or around the pool, there should always be at least one adult supervising their activity. Never assume someone else is watching and make a habit of designating an official adult supervisor at the pool. Ensure adults supervising at the pool know how to swim and can help in case of an accident.
- Install pool fences and alarms. Florida residents are required by law to have at least one of four safety measures in place for their home swimming pool, spa, or hot tub. These safety measures include a fence or wall at least four feet high surrounding the pool, a pool cover, an exit alarm on all doors and windows with pool access, and a self-closing and latching device on all doors and gates that access the pool.
- Teach children pool safety. Playing around the pool is fun, but it can turn dangerous quickly. Educate children about the dangers of rough play in and around the water. Make sure children know the signs of drowning and what to do in an emergency.
Serious pool accidents happen far too often in our area. Focus on keeping your family safe this summer around the water and do everything possible to prevent unexpected accidents. Remember that injuries involving water can be devastating and many times lead to brain damage or death. It is critical to seek medical care immediately after an injury.
If you are a pool owner, remain vigilant this summer by implementing responsible pool safety measures. Both public and private swimming pool owners can be held liable for injuries and other losses that happen on their property. Ensure that your property is secure from trespassing and you have installed proper security devices around your pool to help prevent accidents.
If you or someone you love is injured at a pool due to the negligence of another, certain legal avenues may be available to you. Our team at Panter, Panter & Sampedro wants to hear about your case. Please give us a call at (305) 662-6178 to schedule a free consultation.
Sources:
L Carroll. (May 27, 2021). Florida hospital warns of ‘dangerous’ spike in pool-related drownings: What to know. Retrieved from: https://today.com/health/pool-safety-2021-fl-hospital-issues-alert-after-spike-drownings-t219822
Florida Department of Children and Families. Total Child Fatalities 2021. Retrieved from: https://myflfamilies.com/childfatality/stateresults.shtml?minage=0&maxage=18&year=2021&cause=Drowning&prior12=&verified=
