What better spot to relax, bask in the sun, and enjoy the lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer than in your pool. Unfortunately, it’s also where injuries are prevalent.
One of the leading causes of death in children ages 1 to 4 is drowning. What’s more, the Ontario 2016 Drowning Report revealed that 41 per cent of total drownings in private pools were by children under 5 years old.
Of course, drowning is the worse-case-scenario. Whenever there’s a slippery surface, there’s a risk of someone slipping and falling, causing injury. So, if you own a swimming pool, it’s best to take precautionary steps to ensure your loved ones are safe. And make sure you understand the responsibilities that come with ownership. Keep in mind, if you don’t keep your pool safe and an injury takes place, you can be found legally responsible too.
- Fences
Your pool should be enclosed with a physical barrier to keep your child – or anyone/anything else, for that matter – from wandering into it without your supervision or awareness. It should come equipped with a self-closing gate that can lock. Gate alarms are useful too since they sound a signal when opened.
- Supervision
Toddlers and infants must be within reach of a responsible adult all the time. If there are a number of children swimming, a few adults should be present. And they should all know CPR, first aid and how to swim.
- Knowledge is power
Anyone who swims in your pool should be encouraged to take swimming lessons.
- Lifesaving equipment
Personal flotation devices, lifejackets should be accessible. And if children need a flotation device, their “water wings” or “floatie” should not be used as a substitute for a life-jacket. A first-aid kit should be fully stocked and available near the pool area too. Floating aids have to be attached to a rope which should be as long as the pool itself.
- Maintenance
Keep your pool deck in good shape. Coat it with a nonslip surfacing material to avoid it becoming slippery. Don’t leave glasses or breakable dishes nearby. Keep toys at bay. Inspect all your equipment – electrical outlets, pool covers etc. – continuously to ensure they’re in good working order.
We’re here to help
The above steps should help avoid serious injuries this season. But if you or someone you love were injured in a pool accident, you may be eligible for compensation. Our team at HSH have decades of experience with personal injury matters – and are only one phone call away. If you have any questions about an injury to a child or an adult, please contact us on 877-771-7006. Or contact me, Michael Henry directly. I welcome hearing from you. I can be reached at 416-361-0889 or by e-mail at mjhenry@hshlawyers.com.
