In the summertime, many of us spend our available days by the water, whether at the beach or a swimming pool. When it comes to injuries, pool areas present several hazards, from slippery concrete surfaces surrounding to faulty equipment.
As a result, individuals going to a public pool, swim club or even a neighbor’s above-ground pool are all at risk for slip and fall injuries, which can potentially be life-threatening. Here’s what you should know.
Types of Injuries
In and around a pool, the following all present potential hazards:
- Slick and slippery floors: From the changing room to the concrete deck surrounding the pool.
- Diving boards: Individuals have been known to slip off and strike the surface below.
- The shallow end: If an individual slips around this end, there’s an increased risk his or her head could strike the bottom of the pool.
- The deck: Slipping here can result in neck and spine injuries.
- Falling off a ladder: This can occur when the traction pads are worn off and not replaced.
- Poor maintenance: A lack of repairs can create slippery or other dangerous surfaces around the pool.
- Poor Setup: When equipment isn’t set up correctly, individuals using it could slip or fall off. This could happen on diving boards, water slides, ladders or stairs into the pool.
Within this setting, traumatic brain, neck and spinal cord injuries are the most common.
Along with these factors, any injury occurring in a pool places the victim at a greater risk of drowning, particularly for children. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control reports that 10 individuals lose their life because of drowning, making it the fifth cause of unintentional fatalities.
Liability
As is the case in most slip and fall claims, the owner is responsible for injuries occurring in and around the pool. He or she has a duty to alert customers to all known hazards. Not adding traction mats or putting out visible warning signs about slippery floors breaches this.
Further, several states or municipalities have regulations considering pool safety, such as adding slip-resistant materials around the pool and on the diving board to decrease injuries. Failing to do this violates these laws.
Additionally, depending upon where and how the injury occurred, the equipment manufacturer may be responsible for defective parts, while a caretaker or lifeguard supervising those in the pool may also be found negligent.
Checking for Safety
How do you know if a pool is safe or unsafe? Look for the following:
- Know your local laws concerning pools and inspect if diving boards, ladders and decks meet these requirements.
- Are there safety drain covers?
- Does the pool have life-saving equipment, such as flotation rings and reaching poles, available?
Those going to the pool also have a duty to obey all safety signs and warnings. However, when an injury occurs because of negligence, Trantolo & Trantolo can work with you to hold the owner and other related parties responsible. If you believe you have a claim, call us today.
