The Florida summers bring residents and visitors of the state some of the most perfect weather found across the nation. Though some may consider the humidity to be a deal breaker when it comes to outdoor activities, there is no greater relief from the sun’s rays than a quick dip in the pool. We all remember being young and trying to escape the thick summer air by going to our backyard, or community pool, to engage in all the fun activities associated with swimming pools. Most Floridians are raised to appreciate the dangers that come with being around pools; however, year after year, we are left dealing with horrific tragedies that result from accidents and negligent conduct involving swimming pools. Unfortunately for parents, it is children who suffer the most injuries with regard to our summer heat refuge.
In order to try and protect our children from what many of us may consider being a living nightmare, it is important that we educate kids from an early age on the importance of swimming pool safety. The state legislature has indicated that drowning is the number one cause of death of children in this state, and it should be our number one goal as parents and adults to try and change this fact as best as possible. There is a variety of swim lesson courses available to everyone in every county in Florida. Placing our children in swim classes as soon as possible should be our priority given that we are a state that is surrounded by pools, lakes and oceans.
Some programs, such as ones offered through the YMCAs across the state, provide lessons for children as early as six months old. This may sound extreme to some; however, the harsh reality of losing a child to an accidental drowning has to be the most extreme loss one could suffer. These type of programs get children acclimated to being in water, and provide basic knowledge of treading water and getting to the pools edge until an adult can get to them. The simplest techniques that our children can absorb from an early age may be the difference in saving their lives. Also, being certified in CPR training can help to eliminate the time it may take for rescue services to arrive on scene. When we are knowledgeable on how to treat a child who is not breathing due to drowning, we are taking steps towards reducing the number of deaths attributed to swimming pool accidents.
Additionally, home owners and operators of public and private swimming pool facilities need to follow the strict guidelines put in place for the safety of everyone around pools. Mechanisms used to alert us when children have entered a pool area are available for those who own pools. Placing lockable gates around pools is the obvious preventative measure to keep young children away from the water when supervision is unavailable. The unfortunate reality is that even when we take every precaution to prevent our children from being injured around pools, there are still situations where the negligent conduct of a third party is the cause of the harm. Children will always be attracted to pools. It is our responsibility as adults to do whatever we can to help protect them from those unforeseen and devastating swimming pool accidents.
The Fort Lauderdale attorneys at Madalon Law provide answers to any and all questions that you may have in the wake of an accident involving a swimming pool. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident and you are not sure what to do next or how the law works, then please contact us and we will gladly go over everything with you at no cost.