(Safe Kids Georgia)
As another school year comes to a close, thousands of families will soon head to Georgia beaches, swimming pools and spray parks to cool off in the summer heat. Sadly, a day by the water can quickly turn to tragedy without taking the proper safety precautions. Hotel and apartment complex owners must do their part to keep their youngest guests safe in and around swimming pools and property water features.
Safe Kids Georgia Warns:
- Swimming pools are the most common site for a drowning to occur for children ages 1 to 4.
- Eighty-nine percent of boating deaths of all ages occurred on boats where the operator had not received boating safety instructions.
- The majority of infant drowning deaths happen in bathtubs or large buckets.
- African-American kids ages 5 to 14 are almost three times more likely to drown than white children.
- The use of specially made drain covers, safety vacuum-release systems, multiple filter pumps and other pressure-venting pool filter mechanisms can reduce the risk of entrapment in pools.
Hotel and Apartment Water Safety Questions:
- Is the swimming pool area completely enclosed? If so, is all fencing at least four feet tall with self-closing and self-latching gates? Are there any gaps in the fencing
- Is a certified life-guard on duty? Has property staff been trained in CPR, first aid and emergency response?
- Are all pool filters and drains up to date with pressure-venting mechanisms designed to reduce risk of entrapment?
- Are pool rules and occupancy limits clearly posted? How does property management monitor and enforce these pool rules?
- Are waters treated and tested daily in accordance with health codes?
Victims of Apartment and Hotel Swimming Pool Safety Negligence: Know Your Rights
Apartment residents and hotel guests have a right to feel safe and secure while on the premises of the establishment they are visiting. By law, Georgia property owners are required to protect all residents and guests legally on the premises from any foreseeable harm.
