If you enjoy swimming, or your kids like going to the pool, it is vital to understand the risks associated with swimming pools. Although swimming can serve as a source of enjoyment and a form of exercise that helps improve physical health, it also presents a number of risks. For example, those who go swimming could fall down on a slippery surface, hit their head after diving into shallow water or drown.
Reviewing statistics on swimming pool accidents sheds light on the prevalence of this serious issue.
Data on swimming pools and drowning
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission draws attention to the number of drownings in swimming pools. According to CPSC data, 351 children under the age of 15 lost their lives due to drowning in pools and spas during 2015. From 2015 to 2017, 74% of fatal drownings involving children under 15 took place in residential areas and twice as many male children lost their lives in comparison to female children. Moreover, there were an average of 6,400 nonfatal drowning injuries resulting in emergency treatment.
Recovering from a swimming pool accident
Aside from drowning, you or a family member could suffer an injury for many other reasons, such as electrocution caused by faulty wiring, suction outlet entrapment or a slip-and-fall incident. These accidents can prove fatal, and when victims do not lose their lives, they could struggle with debilitating injuries, brain damage and medical costs.
In the wake of a swimming pool accident, it is pivotal to go over the unique details surrounding the incident and carefully consider all options.