Drowning is the second most common cause of death for children ages 1 to 14 according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you have a pool at your home, remaining vigilant can lower the risk of an unthinkable accident and reduce the liability associated with having a swimming pool on your property.
Review these safety tips to prevent serious swimming-related injuries.
Be prepared
Parents should know the steps to take if a child needs cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Consider seeking CPR certification so you have this life-saving skill if an accident happens.
Install a fence
If you have a pool at your home, surround it by a locking fence on all four sides separate from other areas of the yard. Consider door alarms to prevent young children from accessing the pool undetected.
Supervise children closely
No one should swim alone, but children need supervision at all times when in the water. Pay attention to kids as they swim and avoid distractions such as electronic devices and reading material. Young children who cannot swim should always wear a properly fitting life jacket with certification from the U.S. Coast Guard.
When a child suffers a swimming injury at your home, parents may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit in New Jersey to cover the cost of medical bills and other associated expenses. Families have two years from the date of the incident to submit a legal claim. If you face this situation after an incident in your swimming pool, you must show that you did not contribute to the accident by acting negligently as a pool owner.
