Avoiding Slips and Falls at the Pool
Although Florida is fortunate to have beautiful weather most months out of the year, summer is definitely a time for relaxing by the pool. When the temperatures soar and the humidity skyrockets up, many Floridians flock to beaches and pools to cool off and enjoy time with friends and family.
Any time you visit the pool, however, it’s important to keep safety in mind. As slip and fall attorney Boca Raton, we have seen some serious injuries caused by falls on concrete and other surfaces around pool areas.
Falls Are a Leading Cause of Injuries in Kids
As a parent, you do everything you can to keep your child safe. You buy bicycle helmets and car seats for your child. You make sure your child knows to look both ways before crossing the street.
You put a life jacket or arm flotation devices on your little one before sending him or her off to the pool. You are vigilant about watching your child any time he or she gets in the water.
What you may not realize is that the deck, concrete, or other area around the pool is just as dangerous as the water. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injuries for kids between birth and age 19. Each day, more than 8,000 kids are treated in emergency rooms across the country for injuries caused by falls.
Although a slip and fall can occur just about anywhere, pools are a top spot for these types of injuries. Any time you combine a hard surface with the constant presence of water, you can expect a heightened risk of a slip and fall.
Add in an excited child eager to jump in the pool, or a pool party with a lot of food and drinks, and the risk of an injury just keeps going up.
Also Read : Top 3 Ways to Keep Your Residential Swimming Pool Safe
Preventing Slips and Falls at the Pool
Accidents are unpredictable by nature. It’s impossible to make any activity completely hazard-free, but there are several things parents and caregivers can do to make their pools safer for kids and adults alike.
Consider the following tips to help keep your pool area safer for everyone:
- Keep walkways and decks clear of tripping hazards, such as lounge chairs, toys, and equipment
- Install a surface with appropriate traction so it’s easier for bare feet to grip
- Use handrails where appropriate
- Consider placing a fence around your pool to prevent young children from accessing it
- Remind children and others to walk at all times near the pool
- Instruct your child to wear sandals or other foot gear when walking around the pool
Most parents are very familiar with a young child’s propensity to run when they are playing or excited. Most kids are on the go at all times. Around the pool, however, running can lead to a disastrous injury.
Parents can help reduce the likelihood of a serious slip and fall accident by explaining why it’s so important to walk any time the child ventures near the pool.
Not only can kids injure themselves by falling on the pavement – they can also slip and fall into the pool, resulting in a very serious drowning risk, especially in cases where the injured victim suffers a head injury, or in situations where the injury victim is not an experienced swimmer.
Slip and Fall Attorney Boca Raton
If you or your child has been injured in a slip and fall case, you need the help and guidance of an experienced Boca Raton slip and fall accident attorney. We can help you explore your rights. Call us today to learn more about slip and fall cases in Florida. We are Boca Raton swimming pool accident lawyers here to help.
