Articles Tagged with Georgia Apartment Swimming Pool Drowning

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(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.

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Swimming PoolAccording to Pool Safely, a national campaign dedicated to reducing child drownings in swimming pools and spas, “drowning is the leading cause of unintentional death in children ages 1-4.”

Unfortunately, apartment complex swimming pools are often unsupervised and swimming pool safety features are not typically within a resident’s control, leaving many parents concerned for the safety of their children. Thus, it is imperative that apartment owners and managers implement proper swimming area safety measures to protect residents and guests.

The Property Management Insider urges apartment owners and management companies to keep swimming pools and spas safe for their residents by adhering to state swimming pool regulations and by implementing the following safety guidelines:

Have the Appropriate Equipment

  • Fences or barriers – a physical obstacle that surrounds an outdoor pool or spa so that access to the water is limited to adults – should be installed and checked for reliability. A successful pool barrier prevents a child from getting over, under or through it to gain access to the pool or spa.
  • The pool or spa should be checked to ensure compliance with federal and local laws and regulations.
  • Safety drain covers compliant with the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act should be in place.
  • Pool and spa pumps should be checked to ensure proper operation.
  • Life-saving equipment such as life rings and reaching poles should be easily accessible.

Ask Yourself

  • Are there water safety rules posted in a visible area for adults and children to review?
  • If your property has no lifeguard, does your staff periodically monitor the pool or spa when it’s in heavy use or during special events?
  • Do you recommend to residents who use the pool to bring their cell phone in case of emergency?

Train Your Staff in Water Safety

  • Property staff members should be trained and certified in first aid and emergency response.
  • Staff members should know how to perform CPR on children and adults. Training should be regularly updated.
  • Understanding the basics of life-saving – for any staff member on site – can mean the difference between life and death during a pool emergency.

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