Last month, two Las Vegas children tragically lost their lives in swimming pool drowning accidents. Drowning accidents are tragic and far too common during the summer months. Here, we discuss the top risk factors for pool drownings.
We hope you have a safe and happy summer in and out of the pool. If you are injured in a Las Vegas area car accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
As a Las Vegas accident victim, you don’t want to fight alone against insurance companies. They do not have your best interests in mind. Anthem Injury Lawyers has a dedicated team of lawyers and staff ready to help you with your personal injury case. Our lawyers offer you 25 years of experience winning top compensation for Las Vegas accident victims.
Time is of the essence when pursuing compensation in car accident cases. Don’t delay—have our Las Vegas accident lawyers review your case. Sometimes people avoid contacting an accident lawyer because they worry about cost. You don’t have to worry about affordability. Our attorneys don’t get paid unless they win your case. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Top Risk Factors for Pool Drownings
Drowning is the process of experiencing respiratory impairment from submersion or immersion in liquid. Each year in the United States there are an average of 11 drowning deaths per day. Not all drownings are fatal (result in death). Every year there is also an average of 22 nonfatal drownings per day. Even when a drowning isn’t fatal, it can still cause serious complications including brain damage and long-term disability.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified a number of factors that make drowning more likely. Understanding pool drowning risk factors can help save lives. These risk factors are discussed below.
Age
Age is one of the biggest risk factors for swimming pool drownings. Children ages one to four have the highest drowning rates. Most drownings among this age group occur in swimming pools.
Young children are not the only children at risk for drowning. Children ages 1 to 14 are more likely to die from drowning than most other types of accidents. For that age group, fatal drowning is the second-leading cause of unintentional injury death behind motor vehicle crashes.
Medical Conditions
Some medical conditions put people at an increased risk for drowning. People with seizure disorders are at a higher risk of fatal and nonfatal drowning than the general population.
Swimming Ability
The stronger someone’s swimming ability, the less likely they are to drown. Unfortunately, many adults and children are unable to swim. A person is at an increased risk of drowning if they can’t swim or if they are a weak swimmer.
Lack of Barriers Around Swimming Pools
One of the best ways to prevent accidental swimming pool drownings is by preventing unintended access to the swimming pool. Pool fencing is especially effective at preventing young children from gaining access to the pool area without caregivers’ awareness.
Lack of Close Supervision
Water requires supervision. Drownings can happen anywhere children have unsupervised access to water.
Location
A drowning can occur in any location where there is water. This including bathtubs, swimming pools, hot tubs, lakes, rivers, and oceans. However, as discussed above, most drownings that happen in home swimming pools involve children ages one to four. Infants are more likely to drown in bathtubs and older teenagers and adults are more likely to drown in natural bodies of water.
Not Wearing a Life Jacket
A life jacket can provide support for inexperienced and non-swimmers in or around pools. A life jacket acts as an additional layer of protection to prevent drowning.
Keep in mind that a life jacket is not the same as inflatable swimming devices. Inflatable swimming devices such as “water wings,” inflatable rafts, floating toys, and other items, are not considered safe.
Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol and water do not mix. Among adolescents and adults, alcohol use is involved in up to 70 percent of deaths associated with water recreation. Alcohol increases risk-taking behavior which is dangerous around water. Additionally, alcohol impairs important skills necessary to water safety.
Drug and/or Prescription Medication Use
Drugs and swimming pools do not mix. The use of drugs while swimming increases the risk of drowning.
Swimmers should also be cautious if they are taking prescription medications. Certain medications can increase the risk of drowning.
We understand that an accident can injure even the most cautious individual. If you or a loved one are injured in a swimming pool accident, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. The experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation. We work on a contingency basis, so you don’t have to worry about upfront fees. Our law office is in Henderson, Nevada, and we work with clients in Las Vegas and vicinity. Now is the best time to get in touch with our personal injury law firm and discuss the details of your swimming pool accident case so we can get to work fighting for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Swimming Pool Drowning Prevention Tips
Most swimming pool drownings are preventable. If you or your family spend time around swimming pools, use the following swimming pool drowning prevention tips:
- Always designate an adult to watch children around the pool.
- Use layers of protection, including barriers, to prevent access to water.
- Talk to your family about what to do in a water emergency.
- Utilize a life jacket when appropriate.
- Ensure every member of your family achieves skills of water competency.
- If a child is missing, look for the child in the pool or hot tub first.
- Only dive in designated diving areas.
- Never swim alone.
- Swim sober.
- Teach children how to swim.
- Know how to perform CPR on children and adults.
- Keep children away from pool drains, pipes, and other openings.
- Always have a phone available for emergencies.
- Communicate regarding pool safety expectations with family, friends, babysitters, and neighbors.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
We hope the above tips help you and your family stay safe around swimming pools. If you are injured in a car accident on the way to a pool, it’s important that you seek experienced legal representation. Our car accident lawyers serve the Las Vegas area with the knowledge and expertise to help you gain maximum compensation for your injuries.
The lawyers at Anthem Injury Lawyers have over 25 years of experience specializing in personal injury claims. This includes Las Vegas car accidents. This is the level of experience you need to win top compensation. Don’t wait. Now is the best time to schedule your appointment with us to discuss the details about your Las Vegas area car accident. Choose wisely and call Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
