Summer is Here: Let’s Talk About Water Safety

For people of all ages, summer means swimming. Whether it’s at your community pool, a friend’s pool, or the beach, water is a great way to cool off while enjoying the summer weather. Unfortunately, there are also numerous hazards that swimmers should be aware of and property owners or operators should guard against. If you or someone you love has suffered a water-related injury, a personal injury lawyer may be able to help you get fair compensation to cover your medical treatment and other losses. 

Pools 

Whether it is a public pool or a private pool, the most obvious hazard is drowning, particularly for children. Pools prevent many other hazards that you should be aware of, however. People can suffer serious injuries as a result of slip and fall accidents, including traumatic brain injuries when the victim’s head strikes the hard concrete of the pool deck or the edge of the pool. Other medical emergencies are also common such as heart attacks and strokes, possibly resulting from physical exertion combined with dehydration. 

Public pools are subject to local ordinances that impose specific safety requirements such as the following: 

• The number of trained and certified lifeguards that must be on duty at any given time
• What safety equipment must be kept on-site
• Fencing and secured entries

While private residential pools are not required to have lifeguards or safety equipment, they may be required to have fencing and secured gates. 

Whether it is a private or a public pool, you should make sure that the pool is safe for use before swimming. Pool owners, operators, or managers should make sure that they are in full compliance with all local ordinances and safety regulations, or they may be held liable for any injuries that occur.  

Public Beaches

Beaches present a unique risk of drowning due to tides, sharp drop-offs, and other natural features. Beaches should warn guests as to whether or not lifeguards are present. Lifeguards should be properly trained and staffed with all necessary lifesaving equipment. 

Beachgoers should assess their swimming abilities before going in the water. If swimming at an ocean or bayside beach, swimmers should heed any warnings concerning tides or other hazardous conditions. Those who are going to the beach at a lake should never swim outside of the designated swimming areas. Only strong swimmers should swim at beaches where there are no lifeguards present and should never swim alone in the event that they need help. 

Boating

Boating is another way that many Marylanders choose to enjoy their summers on the water. Whether you are on a powerboat or paddling a canoe, make sure to wear a life jacket when you are on the water and make sure that you are wearing the appropriate type of life jacket. Here are some other safety tips that you should keep in mind: 

• Alcohol and boats do not mix. Do not get on a boat operated by someone who is intoxicated. 
• Pay full attention while operating your boat. Distracted driving can lead to accidents just as it can with other motor vehicles. 
• Drive at a safe speed and follow all boating regulations and navigational rules. 
• Check the weather forecast and do not go out on the water in dangerous conditions.  

Boat accidents can result in severe injuries and even death. If you or someone you know has been injured in a boat accident, a personal injury lawyer can help you get the compensation you need to make a full recovery. 

Do You Have a Personal Injury Claim?

Swimming and being on the water are inherently dangerous activities. While some accidents are pure accidents, many injuries are the result of someone else’s negligence. Property owners, operators, and others can be held accountable when their negligence causes harm to others. Here are some examples of accidents that would be the result of negligence: 

• Someone suffers brain damage due to nearly drowning in a pool and the lifeguards were not CPR certified
• A visitor slips and falls on a slippery staircase that lacked grip tape and handrails
• Someone drowns swimming at a beach when lifeguards neglect to update warning signs indicating that there is a riptide

If you or a loved one has suffered harm as a result of negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. 

Contact Personal Injury Lawyer Thomas E. Pyles Today 

If you have been injured in a water-related accident, we can help you navigate the claim process. Contact The Law Offices of Thomas E. Pyles to schedule a free consultation by calling 301-705-5006.