Florida Residential Pool Safety Tips
One of the best things about living in Florida is being able to take full advantage of the weather by frequenting pools throughout the year, including those that many of us have in our backyards. In fact, there are well over 10 million residential pools in this country and it likely comes as no surprise that sun-drenched Florida ranks among the highest states for both above-ground pool sales and installations and in-ground swimming pool installations. Pools are so common in the Sunshine State that it is easy to forget the dangers that accompany them.
Unfortunately, the prevalence of residential pools has also prompted safety concerns, and these are increasing during the current state of the world. Fox 4 News has reported that the coronavirus pandemic has led to a surge in people buying above ground and inflatable pools. This, coupled with the fact that kids are spending nearly all their time at home now, means that the risk of drowning is up significantly.
The Dangers of Residential Pools
Roughly ten people die from unintentional drowning in this country every day according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many of whom are young people who are under the age of 15. But in many cases, these tragic accidents can be prevented and it’s the pool owner’s responsibility to do what they can to prevent these accidents from occurring. That means that when this duty of care is breached and someone is injured, he or she may be able to hold the property owner liable.
Pool Safety Tips
The good news is that as the homeowner, there are steps you can incorporate for the safety of every swimmer. These include:
- Have proper lighting in place if you allow people to swim at night
- Limit or forbid alcohol and/or drug usage at the pool
- Maintain the pool and surrounding areas
- Post appropriate signs and warnings regarding pool hazards
- Ensure an adult is present any time young children are swimming
- Install a child-proof gate around the pool that requires a key and can help keep out young intruders
- Keep a first aid kit close by just in case things go in a direction you didn’t anticipate
Obtaining Legal Help After a Pool Accident
Swimming in pools may be a way of life for Floridians, but it also has the potential to lead to injuries that can forever impact how someone is able to live theirs. As the knowledgeable Fort Myers personal injury attorneys of the Pendas Law Firm, we are passionate about securing fair compensation for our clients. We are happy to discuss the facts of your case at a free consultation and help you determine whether someone else’s negligence is the cause of you or your family member’s injuries. In that case, we also offer the assistance you can lean on for success with your claim. Contact us today to learn how we can serve you.
The Pendas Law Firm also represents clients in the Jacksonville, Ocala, Tampa, Bradenton, West Palm Beach, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Orlando and Daytona Beach areas.
Resource:
liveabout.com/facts-about-pools-spas-swimming-safety-2737127
https://www.pendaslaw.com/is-it-illegal-to-wear-headphones-while-driving-in-florida/