Staying Safe in a Public Pool in Alabama
During the hot summer months in Alabama, few activities are quite as enjoyable as relaxing with the family at a public pool. Indeed, public pools in Mobile offer enjoyment for all members of the family, and visiting these attractions are certainly a favorite pastime for many throughout the state.
However, a day at the local pool doesn’t come without risks, which can range from minor, such as a sunburn, to much more serious, such as broken bones or even drowning accidents. In light of this, consider the following safety tips the next time you head to the public pool this summer, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a skilled Mobile personal injury attorney if you or any of your family members have sustained an injury.
Tips to Follow When Visiting a Public Pool in Mobile
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), individuals should follow a handful of safety tips in order to avoid any serious injuries while enjoying Alabama pools. A few of these tips include:
- Never leave a child unsupervised. This is, perhaps, the most important safety tip to keep in mind, as leaving a child unattended can lead to catastrophe. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that one in five people who die from drowning are children 14 and younger; as such, constant supervision is imperative in order to keep your child safe.
- Teach children to avoid drains. Even if you do keep an eye on your children when they swim in the water, they may venture toward the bottom of the pool. At the bottom of a pool they may come in contact with drains, where their hair, bathing suits, or other personal items may get stuck and hold them underwater. Before hopping in the pool, tell your children to keep away from these areas.
- Make sure everyone knows how to swim. Although lifeguards are generally on duty in public pools, stay safe by teaching your children how to swim before they get in the pool. Any children who cannot swim should be constantly supervised and should wear flotation devices at all times.
These tips will help ensure that you and your children stay safe while in the water. However, a variety of personal injuries can take place even before you get wet. As such, the following non-water-related safety tips are also important to consider as you head to the pool this summer:
- Wear sunscreen. Even a few minutes in the scorching sun can lead to a serious sunburn. While a sunburn may only be a minor nuisance, it can still ruin your day.
- Don’t run by the pool. While you may have heard this a thousand times, it still remains important. Because the ground near pools is wet, it can be extremely slippery, leading to a slip and fall accident for anyone running out of control.
- Stay hydrated throughout the day. Swimming around and sitting under the sun can quickly lead to dehydration. Make sure to drink water and other fluids throughout the day to avoid any serious injuries.
Ultimately, keeping these safety tips in mind will help avoid any injuries and irritations as you enjoy your time by the pool.
If You or a Loved One is Injured in a Pool Accident, Contact Us Immediately
Unfortunately, even after following these pool safety tips closely, you or one of your children may be injured while visiting the pool in Mobile this summer. And, in some cases, the negligence of another party may have led to the incident. For example, if you slipped and fell while walking along the pool, you may be able to recover compensation if warning signs weren’t posted along the edge of the water. Or, if your child has been injured or killed in a drowning accident, you may be able to recover damages if it can be shown that the lifeguard failed to respond accordingly or was negligent in another way.
Overall, if you or a loved one has been injured at a pool in Mobile, the best way to determine if you have a case is by reaching out to a dedicated Alabama pool injury attorney at the Law Office of J. Allan Brown, LLC for help. We have significant experience assisting personal injury victims in Mobile and the surrounding areas, and we are eager to assist you today. Reach out to us for a consultation by calling (251) 473-6691 or through our online contact form