The Sunshine State stays true to its name even throughout the winter months. While most of the United States suffers through cold temperatures and snowstorms, residents of Florida are able to sunbathe and relax in their pools. In fact, with the temperatures expected to be in the 80s over the upcoming weekend in Vero Beach and throughout South Florida, it’s a fair bet many families will move their holiday celebrations to the pool area. With pools, unfortunately, come the dangers associated with them that can lead to drownings, turning a fun-filled day into a tragic one.
While Floridians hear constant reminders about keeping their families safe around pools, it is important to reiterate these during the holidays when many out-of-state visitors are taking advantage of the warm weather and spending their days by family pools.
According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), more children die from drowning in Florida than any other state. It is the leading cause of death among children between 1 and 4 years of age. In addition, near drownings leave many other children suffering from life-altering injuries such as brain damage, resulting in long-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities and permanent physical disabilities.
The CPSC realizes the urgency of educating the public about pool safety, and in May 2010 kicked off the Pool Safely campaign, which aims to reduce child drownings and entrapments. The campaign focuses on getting the public to add an extra safety step in and around the water that says, “it can make all the difference.”
With the campaign, the government launched the Pool Safely website. The website offers key information for parents and families, as well as the pool industry and state and local governments.
The primary safety tips Pool Safely highlights include:
- Completely surround the pool with barriers and self-closing, self-latching gates;
- Learn and practice water safety skills, and how to swim and how to perform CPR;
- Stay close, be alert, and watch children at the pool;
- Have the appropriate equipment, such as compliant drain covers, barriers, sensors, and alarms.
Congresswoman Debbi Wasserman Schultz is one of the state’s leading advocates for ensuring compliance with pool safety. In a safety event to kickoff the start of summer in June, other safety advocates joined Wasserman Shultz in encouraging parents to stay vigilant around all pools. Their message is: “Never take your eye off a child when they’re around water. Don’t answer the phone, don’t switch your clothes from the washer to the dryer. Don’t fall asleep, don’t take a nap.”
Our Florida accident attorneys agree with our safety advocates and encourage everyone to keep these safety tips in mind, and to educate family and friends that may visit. We want all Florida residents and guests to enjoy the beautiful weather while lounging at a family pool, but we want everyone to do so safely.
Contact an Experienced Premises Liability Lawyer Today
If you or a family member has been injured in a swimming pool accident, it’s important to consult a knowledgeable South Florida premises liability lawyer. I am attorney Philip DeBerard. I have more than three decades of legal experience helping victims of swimming pool accidents or wrongful deaths in South Florida and the Treasure Coast.
The law firm of Philip DeBerard, Injury Attorney, concentrates on helping accident victims in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Jupiter, Stuart, Okeechobee, Vero Beach and Palm Beach. Call 1-800-299-8878 or fill out our online contact form.
