Georgia Legal Report

As families return to swimming pools and water parks for summer fun, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns that water safety must be a priority.

A CDC study recently warned:

Drowning is a leading cause of injury death for young children ages 1 to 4, and the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury death for people of all ages. For toddlers (children ads 1 to 4 years), swimming pools pose the greatest risk of submersion injury.

For every child less than 15 years old who dies from drowning in a pool, another 10 receive emergency department care for nonfatal submersion injuries. Nonfatal drowning can cause brain damage that may result in log-term disabilities including memory problems, learning disabilities, and permanent loss of basic functions. The good news is that drowning can be prevented….

Reduce The Risk

A swimming pool can be a great source of family fun and fitness. But, it’s important to make safety a priority to protect children and others in and around the water. Some of the most effective ways to prevent drowning include four-sided fencing, swimming lessons, life jackets, and supervision/lifeguarding. Knowing CPR can also save the life of someone who drowns. For best protection, combine several safety measures to most effectively reduce drowning risks.

While home owners are able to implement many of these safety measures to protect their families and guests, the safety regulation of hotel, apartment and water park swimming pool falls outside of parent’s control. These property owners are responsible for the safety of all guests on property and, as such, it is crucial that their swimming pools are frequently inspected for safety hazards and that their staff is certified and trained in CPR and emergency first aid.

Water Safety Precautions for Apartment and Hotel Owners

• Apartments, hotels and water parks must implement proper fencing (including self-closing and self-latching gates) and access control to their swimming pools.
• Swimming pools should be clearly marked with signage, indicating all swimming and diving restrictions and water depth in every area of the pool.
• While swimming pool fountains, slides and game nets are entertaining, they can also create serious hazards. All structures, including ladders and stairs, should be carefully and frequently inspected to ensure swimmers won’t become trapped or injured.
• Overcrowding can cause swimmers, especially children, to become trapped under water. It also prohibits parents and lifeguards from properly monitoring these small swimmers. As such, property owners must post and enforce maximum occupants in and around the pool, particularly on busy weekends and holidays.
• Finally, should an incident arise, the addition of a lifeguard and CPR-certified staff could save a life. A lifeguard should be stationed during all pool hours.

For more information on swimming pool and water safety, please visit the CDC.

We wish you a safe and fun summer!