It will not be long before it is swimming weather, and this means there is a higher chance of pool-related accidents. Both kids and adults can be victims of swimming pool accidents, and they can result in various injuries and even death.
There are common causes of accidents, and knowing what they are can help pool owners and guests prevent them.
Swimming pool hazards
According to Healthcare Business Today, drowning is one of the biggest and most serious hazards of swimming pools. Near drowning also occurs, and this refers to when a previously- submerged victim remains alive for more than 24 hours after the incident. Drowning may occur because someone who does not know how to swim falls in, although entrapment or getting tangled in an inflatable pool toy can also be a factor.
Diving accidents can result from diving into shallow waters or due to a malfunctioning diving board. These accidents often result in paralysis or head injuries. Additional hazards include slippery surfaces that result in slips and falls, electrical shocks and chemical exposure.
Prevention strategies
The American Red Cross discusses how to prevent many pool accidents:
- Drowning: Install a four-sided fence to isolate the pool area, use lockable covers, remove access to above-ground pools and use anti-entrapment drain covers
- Diving accidents: Place no-diving signage around shallow water, teach diving safety or outlaw diving altogether
- Slips, trips and fall: Place no-running signs around the pool area, wear slip-resistant water shoes and store toys properly out of the way
- Electrical shocks: Ensure wires and power lines are a minimum of 25 feet away from the pool
- Chemical exposure: Lock up pool chemicals and keep them away from the pool
Pool owners should also have a life preserver and shepherd’s crook available on the pool deck.