PREVENTING DROWNING AND NEAR-DROWNING ACCIDENTS

Drowning and near-drowning is an all-too-common cause of death and injury each summer, whether swimmers are in a pool, lake, river, or other body of water. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the majority of drowning deaths and injuries each year are suffered by children, particularly those under age 16.

You can take several steps to help protect the safety of those you love this summer. When you’re out by a pool or other body of water, consider the following tips:

• Always supervise children when they are near a pool or other water. Teach children to never go into a pool area or near water without adult supervision.
• Teach children how to swim. Older children can also learn basic first aid and CPR techniques, which may save a life if someone is injured during swimming or while boating.
• Find the drains, pipes, and other attachments in a pool or hot tub, and take care to stay away from them. Teach children to stay away from them to avoid entrapment.
• Keep a first aid kit and floatation devices near the pool. Show swimmers where these are, and teach children how to use them if someone else is injured or needs help.
• Install a fence that is four feet tall or taller around the entire perimeter of the pool area. Consider putting alarms on the gates and doors to alert you if someone enters the pool area without permission.

At Caputo and Van Der Walde – Injury & Accident Attorneys, our experienced San Jose accident attorneys can help you seek the compensation you need after a water-related injury. Contact us today to learn more.