Since the outset of Summer, there have been several drownings throughout New York, many involving children. According to WNBC in New York, a 2-year-old in Long Island, 13-year-old in Jamaica Bay, and 2-year-old in Rockland County have all drowned in the past few weeks. In addition, during that same time span, just across the river in New Jersey, a 17-year-old and 20-year-old drowned in a lake and a 16-year-old and 19-year-old drowned in a school’s indoor pool. Back here in New York, one of the most recent drownings happened over the Fourth of July weekend, when an 8-year-old drowned in a backyard swimming pool.
As these tragedies demonstrate, it’s important that parents understand how to keep their children safe around water, especially swimming pools.
4 Tips for Keeping Your Kids Safe at the Pool This Summer
If you and your family are planning to hit the pool anytime soon, there are few things you should know before you let your children get in the water. First, if possible, don’t let your kids near a pool until they can swim. Second, your children should also know a few basic pool safety rules before spending time at the pool for the first time (for example: no running near the pool).
Once you’ve taken care of those two things, here are four tips that can help you keep your kids safe at the pool:
- Always keep an eye on your children. All it takes is a moment for a child to drown, so make sure that you or another responsible adult is always keeping an eye on your kids while they’re in the water. If possible, keep your children within arm’s reach while they’re in the water. This is true for weak swimmers of all ages as well. It’s also a good idea to have strong swimmers partner with children and weak swimmers while they’re at the pool. In addition, having adults at the pool take turns being designated water watchers is a nice option because it allows the adults to enjoy some pool time without worrying if someone is watching the children.
- Avoid distractions. A child can drown within a few minutes, and you may not notice it’s happening until it’s too late if you become distracted. When you are keeping an eye on kids at the pool, avoid distractions, including phones, conversations, books, and magazines. Stay focused on the kids until pool time is over or another adult takes over your water watcher responsibilities.
- Make sure your kids stay away from pool drains. Pool drains are dangerous, especially for kids and weak swimmers. Pool drains have powerful suction and can trap children underwater, which can lead to them drowning. Make sure children know where the drains are in the pool and to avoid them. In addition, when you or any other adults are watching the kids while they’re in the pool, make sure they don’t go near the pool drains.
- Install a fence around your pool. During the summer, children love to go to the pool. If you have a pool at your home, that temptation will be there, even if you are not around. That’s why it’s important to warn your kids to stay away from the swimming pool when you’re not around. However, kids can be curious and mischievous, especially if there aren’t safety devices in place to protect them from dangers. That’s where a fence with a gate and lock comes in. Installing a fence around your swimming pool with a gate that locks can help prevent your children from getting in the pool when you’re not around to keep them safe.
Can You File a Lawsuit If a Family Member Drowned Due to Negligence?
Many drowning deaths, especially those involving kids, are preventable and are the result of negligence. When that’s the case, families are rightfully furious. Finding out that your loved one is gone simply because of another person or entity’s negligence is devastating. While nothing can bring your loved one back, you want to know that those responsible for their death are held accountable and prevented from causing others to suffer a similar loss in the future.
Fortunately, there is a legal option for the families of those who drowned due to the negligence of others. These families have the option to file a wrongful death lawsuit against those at fault for their loved one’s death.
Schedule a Free Consultation with Our Drowning Lawsuit Attorneys Today
For nearly 75 years, DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata, LLP has been helping injury victims and their families in Schenectady and throughout the Capital Region hold negligent individuals and entities accountable for hurting them.
Losing a loved one is devastating, especially if it’s the result of something preventable. In many cases, drownings are preventable and happen because of negligence. In those instances, families can file a wrongful death lawsuit. While doing this won’t bring their loved one back, it can prevent negligent individuals and entities from hurting others in the same way in the future.
Plus, a lawsuit can enable the families of drowning victims to hold those at fault for their loved one’s death responsible, including securing compensation for hospital bills, loss of income, living expenses, funeral costs, and pain and suffering.
For more information about DeLorenzo, Grasso & Dalmata, review our case results. To speak with our experienced personal injury attorneys about your situation, give us a call at (518) 299-0314 or get in touch with us online today for a free consultation. We offer around-the-clock availability.