Now that summer is approaching, many families enjoy having backyard pool parties. Dipping in the pool on a hot day is a great way to cool off and enjoy the day. Although swimming pools can bring a lot of joy to families, they can also be dangerous and cause certain families sadness over their child’s swimming pool-related injury, near-drowning, or death.
Because many toddlers and children suffer brain injuries from a near drowning or die as a result of drowning in pools, property owners need to take preventative steps to keep children and visitors safe. Necessary steps homeowners and property owners should take include:
- Take care of and maintain the pool
- Secure the pool with a safety gate
- Ensure the backyard is fenced off so children cannot wander into the yard
- Never leave the backyard gate open without adults in the backyard
- Always have adults supervising children swimming
These rules apply to people who set up portable pools in their backyards as well. Portable pools are typically left out all summer long with no gate, and they pose significant risks to young children. Because the sides of these pools are not sturdy, the pool can easily collapse and trap a child. Also, children can easily fall in and not be able to get out.
It only takes about four minutes underwater for a child to suffer a brain injury from a lack of oxygen. Because of this seriousness, homeowners and all property owners should do their part to fence off their pools in order to prevent a Georgia drowning accident. When negligence on the part of a property owner is the cause of a drowning injury or death, property owners and homeowners can be held liable.
If your child suffered injuries or died as a result of a dangerous condition or negligence on the part of a property owner, your family may have a Georgia premises liability lawsuit. Call Shane Smith Law to speak with a Peachtree City premises liability attorney to learn more at (980) 246-2656.