As the weather gets warmer swimming pools in Georgia become more popular, whether in backyards, at apartment complexes or recreational facilities.
Although there are few better places to cool off, parents and other swimmers often underestimate the hazards of pools.
In recent years, Georgia has seen a spike in drownings in swimming pools. In 2016, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Georgia was experiencing a large number of pool and spa drownings. The state sees some of the highest numbers of tragedies in the nation.
That May alone, USA Swimming Foundation noted three children died in pools, putting Georgia just behind California and Arizona in terms of fatalities.
The dangers of swimming pools in Georgia
Every year about 20 children die in swimming pools in Georgia. Swimming safety experts want parents to be more vigilant to prevent further tragedy.
According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2005-2014, there were 3,536 fatal unintentional drownings on average every year in the United States, equating to 10 deaths a day. These did not include deaths from boating accidents.
About one in five people who lost their lives from drowning are children aged 14 and younger. For every child who dies from drowning, another five are treated in emergency departments for nonfatal submersion injuries.
Swimming pools pose many hazards. Not all of them are obvious. Drowning accidents may be linked to defective design, manufacture or the maintenance of pool drains that can trap swimmers and drag them under.
The power of the suction from the drain that’s blocked can pull a child under water. Even if a child’s life is saved he or she may suffer brain damage from oxygen deprivation.
Another common cause of drowning is when toddlers fall into unfenced pools. Entities like pool associations and apartment complex owners have a legal obligation to safeguard pools by preventing children from wandering into them.
When a pool has a lifeguard, there is an obligation to act if a swimmer is in trouble. If a lifeguard fails in his or her duty, his employer can be held liable.
Parents should always watch their children in the pool and ensure they get swimming lessons before they take the plunge.
We hope you enjoy the pool and swim safely over the warmer months. If you need advice about a swimming pool accident, contact our Newnan personal injury lawyer today.