Missouri Child Drowning Accidents - Keeping Your Kids Safe in the Backyard Pool
According to the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC), drowning in a backyard pool is the fourth leading cause of death for children under five years of age. About 260 of these young children die in pool accidents each year, and another 3,000 are seen in emergency rooms for water-related injuries. While the risk of a drowning accident in Missouri is always present, you can take steps to prevent your children and their friends from being injured or killed in the family pool.
The CPSC recommends the following steps:
- Never leave a child unsupervised around a pool or in a place where they can reach the pool.
- Make sure babysitters understand the importance of watching the children at all times while they are in or near the pool.
- Place a fence around the entire perimeter of the pool. Install self-latching gates, and place the latches out of reach of small children.
- Swimming lessons do not make children “drown-proof.” Even if they can swim, always supervise children in or near the pool.
- Completely remove the pool cover before allowing children to swim. Otherwise, children may become trapped under the cover.
- Keep rescue equipment, including a long pole and a flotation device, near the pool. Do not use floating toys as a substitute for a child's swimming ability or for constant supervision.
Although pool manufacturers have a responsibility to make safe products, they cannot eliminate the risks a pool poses to young children. Watching your children at all times while they are in the pool can prevent life-threatening accidents.
If you or your child is injured by an unsafe pool structure or pool equipment, you have legal rights. A skilled Missouri personal injury lawyer from the experienced legal team at Page Law can help you understand your rights and hold negligent parties accountable. Call Page Law today at (314) 322-8515 for a free consultation.
