Swimming Safety Tips

With the summer months around the corner, people will certainly be taking advantage of both private and public swimming pools to relax and cool off with a swim. While swimming can be relaxing and enjoyable, any water-based activity carries with it the risk of drowning or sustaining other injury. According to statistics published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is one of the leading causes of death for people between 1 and 4 years of age, and is the 5^th leading cause of unintentional death for people of all ages. For children under the age of 15, there is also a high rate of treatment in an emergency department for nonfatal injuries that are the result of submersion.

Depending on the circumstances of the accident, people who are injured in swimming pool accidents may be able to recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. Additionally, if a person dies in a swimming pool accident, their family may be able to sue the responsible party or parties in a wrongful death lawsuit, including the owner of the pool. Although the pool owner is the defendant, these claims are usually covered by homeowner’s insurance and are addressed like any other insurance claim. In order to determine whether you have a claim, you should contact an experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer for a case evaluation.

While swimming has inherent risks, the good news for swimmers and parents is that there are clear and concrete steps that people can take to reduce the risk of being injured in a swimming accident. The CDC recommends taking the following steps in order to minimize drowning and injury risks associated with swimming.

• Fencing – Using the right type of fencing can significantly reduce the risk of drowning or injury associated with swimming pools. Studies indicate that more than 50% of young children drownings could be prevented by using appropriate fencing. The right fence should be a minimum of 4 feet high, have gates that close by themselves, and have latches that children cannot reach.
• Swimming Lessons – Starting swimming lessons early can help reduce the risk of drowning. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you can start swimming lessons as early as age 1.
• Life Jackets – Young children and inexperienced swimmers can benefit from the use of life jackets. The CDC indicates that other floatation devices such as water wings or noodles are not a sufficient substitute for life jackets
• Supervision – Always supervise children who are using a pool. The supervisor should not be distracted with other activities while children are swimming.
• CPR – When performed immediately, CPR has been demonstrated to improve outcomes for drowning victims. Waiting for emergency personnel to arrive increases the risk of a victim sustaining brain damage.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a swimming accident you may be entitled to substantial compensation. Swimming accidents often raise complicated issues of liability, and it is important to consult with an attorney who has experience handling these cases. Even nonfatal swimming injuries can be serious and may require intensive and long-term medical treatment. In addition, if you were partially at fault for the accident you still may be able to recover. To determine how best to proceed, your first step should be consulting with an experienced Hammond personal injury attorney.