Our personal injury lawyers in South Carolina at David W. Martin Law Group know summertime sees a rise in swimming pool accidents, injuries, and fatalities due to several factors.
The warm weather and school holidays increase pool usage as families and children seek to cool off and enjoy recreational activities. Unfortunately, this surge in activity often results in a higher likelihood of accidents.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning is a leading cause of injury-related death for children ages 1-4, and a significant number of these incidents occur in residential swimming pools.
Here, we discuss some of the most common causes of these tragic injury and fatality incidents to bring awareness to the issues and potentially help swimmers throughout South Carolina avoid them.
What are the Most Common Causes of South Carolina Swimming Pool Accidents, Injuries & Fatalities?
Swimming pool accidents in South Carolina and nationwide can occur on public and private property due to various common causes.
These include:
- Lack of Supervision
One of the most significant causes of swimming pool accidents is the lack of proper supervision, especially involving young children. Drowning can occur quickly and quietly, and children left unattended, even for a short time, are at high risk.
- Inadequate Safety Measures
Proper fencing and barriers around swimming pools are crucial in preventing unauthorized access, particularly by children. In addition, gates that do not self-close or latch properly can allow children to enter the pool area unsupervised. Many accidents occur because pools are not adequately secured.
- Lack of Swimming Skills
Individuals, especially children, who do not know how to swim or have inadequate swimming skills are more likely to be involved in pool accidents. Drowning can occur even in shallow water.
- Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol consumption around pools can lead to accidents due to impaired judgment, reduced coordination, and slower reaction times. Adults under the influence may not supervise adequately or may overestimate their swimming abilities.
- Diving Accidents
Diving into shallow water can cause severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, which can result in paralysis or drowning.
- Slip and Fall Accidents
The area around swimming pools can become slippery, leading to falls and injuries. Wet decks and tiles pose a significant risk for slips and falls.
- Mechanical Failures
Faulty or improperly maintained pool drains can cause entrapment, where a person, particularly a child, gets stuck due to the drain’s strong suction force.
By addressing these common causes and implementing proper safety measures, the risk of swimming pool accidents can be significantly reduced.
Resources for Swimming Pool Safety in South Carolina
- Swimming | Swim Classes & Training | Red Cross
- Find Your Y | YMCA of the USA
- Find a Swim School | U.S. Swim School Association
- USA Swimming | Learn to Swim
- Safe Kids Worldwide Pool Safety
- National Safety Council Pool Safety
- Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Pool Safety
- National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA)
Have You Been Injured or Lost a Loved One in a Swimming Pool Accident in South Carolina?
Contact our David W. Martin Law Group personal injury and wrongful death attorneys in South Carolina today by calling (803)-548-2468 or contact us online to understand who may be liable for your swimming pool accident, injuries, or fatalities and how we can help you hold them accountable for your complex losses. While we hope you never need us for these preventable accidents, we want to help you understand your legal rights and options to pursue a claim.
