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Tips to Prevent Swimming Pool Accidents this Summer

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Peter J. Gregory
Jun 11, 2021
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Summer in the Rochester, NY area is a great season to enjoy the pool, but it also means an increased risk of accidents in the pool. According to the CDC, every day, about ten people die from unintentional drowning. Of these, two are children aged 14 or younger. Tragically, even minor swimming pool accidents can result in serious injuries. Here are some ways you can protect yourself and others by preventing swimming pool accidents this summer:

Make Sure Children are Never Unattended Around a Pool

Even if they are well-trained swimmers, it is important that you never allow kids to swim without an adult, and it is an important rule to require adult supervision at all times. To ensure the pool area is inaccessible to unauthorized swimmers and children when there is no supervisor, install a fence around pool and spa areas with a self-closing, self-latching gate or door. You should also move chairs, tables, toys or other objects away from the perimeter that would allow a child to climb up to reach the gate latch or enable someone to climb over the fence.

Install and Check All Proper Pool Equipment

Before anyone swims, it is important to check equipment to ensure that everything is working properly. This includes not only the pool itself, but also ladders, slides, lights, filters, drain covers, grates and any other pieces of equipment that could cause an accident.  If you are installing a pool, it will be important to contact your local building department first to determine what permits are needed and what requirements you must follow. Homeowners should also install alarms on all doors and windows to detect unauthorized access from the home into the pool area.

Cover Pools When Not in Use

To make sure everyone is safe, even young children who might wander near the pool area, cover the pool when it is not in use. Safety pool covers are available that can keep children from falling into the pool when no one else is around.

Practice Water Safety

It is important to have children start taking swim lessons at an early age. It is also a good idea for older children, teens and adults to learn CPR in case it is ever needed. You never know when it might be up to you to save someone’s life. If you don’t already know CPR, it’s a good time to take a class and learn.

Have Safety Devices Available  

Although you might think you do not need life vests or other safety equipment in your own pool, they could make a difference in saving a life.

Generally, the person who owns the swimming pool is legally responsible for any injuries that happen. Therefore, the property owner has a duty to decrease the chances of someone being injured while on their property. If you or a loved one have been injured due to negligent pool maintenance or supervision, please contact us to learn more.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

About the author:  Peter J. Gregory is a partner with the firm.  He is a trial lawyer with extensive experience resolving disputes in state and federal trial courts. His personal injury practice focuses on advising clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in accidents caused by the carelessness or recklessness of others. Please feel free to contact him directly at pgregory@mccmlaw.com or (585) 512-3506.

This publication is intended as an information source for clients, prospective clients, and colleagues and constitutes attorney advertising. The content should not be considered legal advice and readers should not act upon information in this publication without individualized professional counsel.

This publication is intended as an information source for clients, prospective clients, and colleagues and constitutes attorney advertising. The content should not be considered legal advice and readers should not act upon information in this publication without individualized professional counsel.


About MCCM

McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979.  With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.

We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England.  They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts.  For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.