CONTACT:
Robert B. Baker, Esq., Baker, Zimmerman & Perez
(954) 509-1900

Adult Supervision Key to Pool Safety

Parkland, FL – The personal injury law firm of Baker, Zimmerman & Perez remind parents that adult supervision is key to pool safety and keeping children safe.

With school out, summer in full swing and with most of the country blanketed in blistering heat, many will take refuge in pools, lakes, rivers and the ocean to cool off. Unfortunately, in many areas, a lifeguard shortage many leave many pools and beaches unprotected and unsupervised this Fourth of July.

According to analysis of media reports by USA Swimming, the national governing body for the sport of swimming, in 2011, there were 25 drowning incidents involving children younger than 15 reported over the week of the July 4 holiday (June 30 through July 6). In 2010, 24 drowning incidents were reported during that same week. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that annually there are about 390 pool or spa-related drownings for children younger than 15. Another 5,200 children of that age go to hospital emergency rooms for near-drowning injuries. An unknown number of children are seriously brain-damaged.

Drownings often happen quickly and silently – without warning. Law enforcement and pool administrators say parental supervision is key to keeping children safe. Here are some additional swimming pool safety tips for parents:

Public Pool Safety Tips:

• Has the pool been inspected to ensure it is compliant with federal and local laws?
• Is the swimming pool in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act?
• Is there a lifeguard or staff at the pool to watch children and adults?
• If the staff trained and certified in first aid and emergency response?
• Is the pool properly maintained and free of hazards (broken or missing drain valves, warnings)?
• Does the pool have adequate safety warnings (no diving, no running, pool depth, lifeguard not on duty sign)?
• Are there water safety rules posted in a visible area for adults and children to review?

Private & Residential Pool Safety Tips:

• Are there fences or latching gates that limit access to the pool?
• Are there security features in place like house alarms and pool covers?
• Is there life-saving equipment available for use (poles, life rings, life preservers)?
• Do you know how to use all life-saving equipment?
• Do you know how to perform CPR?
• Do you have a full-charged phone available at all times while in or near the pool?
• Is there proper supervision when children are in or playing around water?
• Do you and your children know how to swim?
• Do you have and communicate pool rules (no running, no diving)?
• Are pool toys  like  balls and floats secure and put away from pool area when not in use?
• Do you secure pool steps, pool ladders and driving boards when not in use?
• Is the pool properly maintained and free of hazards (broken or missing drain valves, warnings)?
• Is the swimming pool in compliance with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act?

Baker, Zimmerman & Perez, a Boca Raton / Parkland civil litigation firm, focuses on Personal Injury, Personal Water Craft Accidents, Boating and Cruise Ship Accidents, and Swimming Pool Accidents. The firm is headquartered at 6991 North State Road 7, Second Floor and may be reached at (954) 509-1900. Additional information about Robert Baker and Baker Zimmerman & Perez, P.A. may be obtained from the firm’s website at www.defendingtheinjured.com or follow us on Facebook.

Joshua Frachtman

Joshua Frachtman joined Baker, Zimmerman & Perez in 2012, after spending the early part of his career defending a wide range of civil issues with a focus on personal injury litigation. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his wife and son.

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