With summer break approaching, it is time to start thinking about your next trip to the pool. Before you jump in, take a look at a few safety precautions for swimming this summer.
NEVER SWIM ALONE.
Whether or not you are an experienced swimmer, it’s never wise to swim alone. If a serious accident occurs, you’ll need another person around to help save you from downing or to call 9-1-1 for emergency assistance. Without them, simply hitting your head or a terrible slip could leave you stranded without help.
NEVER ALLOW CHILDREN AROUND THE POOL UNATTENDED.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swimming is the leading cause of unintentional death among children under the age of 14. It is also the second-highest cause of overall death for children 1 to 4 years old, just behind birth defects. This is why you should never leave a child of any age unattended around the pool, no matter their comfort level in the water. If you have a pool, make sure to keep it gated and covered to prevent accidents from happening.
NEVER SWIM IN BAD WEATHER.
Swimming in bad weather is dangerous for a number of reasons: If lightning strikes while you are swimming, the water will act as a conductor and electrocute you. If it is raining, the water can make the pool deck extra wet, increasing your chances of slipping and sustaining an injury. Stay safe and swim only on warm, sunny days.
NEVER RUN AROUND THE POOL.
Whether you are getting in the water to cool off from tanning or heading to the hot tub, getting in and out of the pool results in wet and slippery sidewalks. If you are dealing with an excessive amount of people, these walkways can become increasingly slick and hazardous. Because of this, you should always exercise caution when walking around a pool and never run.
NEVER SWIM UNDER THE DIVING BOARD.
While fun, diving boards can cause a number of dangerous accidents. The most common occurs when someone swims underneath the diving board while someone else jumps. The impact of the board on the swimmer’s head can easily knock them out and cause them to drown. Never swim under a diving board or ledge, and keep your distance when the diver is jumping.
ALWAYS HAVE A FIRST AID KIT ON HAND.
As the Boy Scouts like to say, “Always be prepared.” Accidents happen in and around swimming pools. Having a First Aid Kit can help you handle less severe situations or help you keep them under control until EMT professionals arrive.
YOU MAY BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR YOUR SWIMMING INJURY – CALL (615) 796-6299.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a swimming injury, contact our Murfreesboro personal injury attorney. From wrongful death to premises liability, our lawyer has handled a variety of personal injury cases and can help you pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means if you don’t receive compensation, you don’t pay for our legal representation.
You should not have to suffer from an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. Schedule a consultation with The Clarke Law Firm today: (615) 796-6299.
