Safety Tips For Children Around Pools In California

Heading to the pool is one of the best ways to cool off on a hot day, and parents appreciate taking the kids to get some physical activity and burn off energy. You may be aware that swimming pools are particularly dangerous for younger children, but you might not know a surprising fact: Drowning is a leading cause of accidental fatalities among children under 5 years old in California. Data compiled by the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) reveals that almost 51 children aged 0 to 5 are killed in drowning accidents every year. Of these victims, around 35 were in a pool when they drowned.

Given these disturbing statistics, you want to do all you can as a parent to protect your child. You know the dangers of being around water, but it is the other hazardous conditions that can pose a serious risk. If your child was hurt, you should discuss legal remedies with an Oakland drowning accidents attorney. Some safety tips for children around pools may also be useful in preventing them.

Install Security: If your home has a pool, you are required by law to implement certain safety features. Self-closing fences, gates, and pool covers are effective to prevent your child from accessing the water. Plus, parents may consider installing an alarm that sounds when someone enters the pool deck OR the water.

 Appoint a Monitor: When children are in and around a public pool, always make sure there is someone keeping an eye on them – even when there is a lifeguard on duty. The monitor should be an adult who will set down the cell phone, take out the ear buds, and avoid other distractions. This person should be within an arm’s length of younger children and beginner swimmers.

Enroll Kids in Swimming Lessons: For skills and safety awareness that will last a lifetime, set your children up for swim lessons at a local park or recreation facility. They will learn how to protect themselves at pools, and the lessons are also helpful for swimming safety in lakes, rivers, and oceans.

 Learn CPR: Parents can empower themselves to handle many emergency situations by taking CPR courses and getting certified in these techniques. You will have the skills to save your child or a loved one from a drowning accident and many other tragic events.

Enforce Basic Rules: They may be basic, but some of the most effective safety rules are not difficult to follow. Make sure to enforce them as necessary:

• Never run around the pool deck.
• No pushing, horseplay, or dunking others.
• Do not dive in a pool or section of a pool unless the depth is at least 9 feet.
• Exit the pool immediately if bad weather hits.

Our Oakland Drowning Accident Lawyers Will Help with Legal Options

 For more information on remedies after a swimming pool accident caused harm to your child, please contact Venardi Zurada, LLP. We can schedule a free case evaluation at our offices in Oakland or Walnut Creek. After reviewing your circumstances, an attorney can tell you more about the legal process.

Source:

dds.ca.gov/initiatives/drowning-prevention/