Swimming pools are a great way to cool off during the warm summer months in Nevada, but they can also be a source of danger if proper safety precautions are not taken. Swimming pool accidents can lead to serious injuries or even death, and there are a number of factors that contribute to these accidents.
Our swimming pool accident lawyer at Cameron Law helps people who get injured in swimming pool accidents on private or public property in North Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Henderson, Spring Valley, and other parts of the state.
Common Causes of Swimming Pool Accidents
Every year, thousands of people get hurt in swimming pool accidents. The causes of these accidents vary from one case to another. However, some of the most common causes of these accidents include:
1. Lack of Supervision
One of the primary causes of swimming pool accidents is a lack of supervision. Children, in particular, need to be closely monitored when they are swimming, as they can easily get into trouble if left unsupervised. According to the Centers for Disease Control, drowning is considered to be the leading cause of injury-related death among children aged 1-4, so it is important to always keep an eye on young swimmers. Additionally, it is important to make sure that there are always adults present when children are swimming to provide additional supervision.
2. Intoxication
Another major cause of swimming pool accidents is intoxication. Whether it is alcohol or drugs, if someone is under the influence, their judgment may be impaired, and they may take risks that they would not otherwise take. This can lead to accidents in and around the pool, as well as impaired swimming ability.
3. Defective Equipment
Defective equipment can also be a cause of swimming pool accidents. This includes things like faulty pool pumps, broken diving boards, and malfunctioning drain covers. Property owners or maintenance workers must regularly inspect pool equipment to make sure that it is in good working order. If any issues exist, it is critical to address them immediately before someone gets hurt.
4. Design or Building Violations
In some cases, swimming pool accidents can be caused by design or building violations. This can include things like inadequate fencing or barriers, which can allow children or pets to enter the pool area unsupervised. It is important to make sure that the pool area is properly fenced and that gates are locked when the pool is not in use.
5. Slippery Surfaces
Slippery surfaces around the pool can be a major hazard, especially if someone is running or jumping around the pool area. This can lead to slips, falls, and other accidents. Adding slip-resistant surfaces around the pool can help reduce the risk of these types of accidents.
6. Lack of Pool Barriers
A lack of pool barriers is also a major cause of swimming pool accidents. All pools are required to have some type of barrier that prevents unauthorized access, but these barriers can vary in effectiveness. The pool must be properly enclosed with a barrier that meets local safety standards.
