Swim Safety: Preventing Swimming Accidents

Injuries and fatalities due to swimming accidents have become all too common, especially when the weather warms up. By all means, get out there and enjoy the water; just be sure you’re aware of the potential dangers and use some simple, safe swimming strategies to protect you and your loved ones from harm.

Swimming Injuries and Fatalities

Swimming seems like such a wholesome thing to do in the summer. You grab your bathing suit and a towel and head out to the nearest pool or beach for a day of sun, fun, and relaxation. While swimming is a great way to cool off and enjoy the benefits of a nice day, it’s also important to make safety a priority while you’re in or around the water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drowning ranks as the leading cause of death among children age 1-4 years old, and it’s the fifth leading cause of injury death among people of all ages. In addition to fatalities due to drowning, other types of swimming injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries due to lack of oxygen
• Head, neck, and spinal cord injuries from diving into shallow water
• Illnesses and rashes related to unclean pool water
• Cuts, abrasions, and broken bones due to falling on wet pool surfaces

These types of injuries can cause serious, long-term, and potentially life-altering damages. For example, brain injuries due to lack of oxygen can result in loss of speech and motor function, and head, neck and spine injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis.

Swimming Safety Tips

To avoid injuries or fatalities, the American Red Cross recommends a number of swimming safety tips to keep you and your loved ones safe while in or near the water. These include:

• Swim in areas supervised by a lifeguard
• Never go swimming alone
• If you’re drinking or intoxicated, stay out of the water
• Obey signs posted, such as those prohibiting diving or warning of rip currents
• Be careful walking on wet surfaces surrounding pools; these areas are often extremely slippery
• Be sensible when it comes to ‘horseplay’, such as throwing or dunking people or wrestling in the water

In particular, young children are especially vulnerable to swimming accident injuries and fatalities. Never leave children unattended, and make sure that if you own a pool, it has a 4-foot fence surrounding it too keep unattended children out.

Injured in a Swimming Accident? Call Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys

For a free legal consultation, call 803-222-2222

If you or someone you love has been injured due to a swimming pool accident, contact our experienced South Carolina personal injury attorneys today. Swimming pool accidents can be serious, and sometimes fatal. At the Anastopoulo Law Firm, we understand the various factors involved in swimming pool accidents. With offices in Charleston and throughout South Carolina, we’ll review your case to determine if we can help you receive compensation for your injuries. Don’t hesitate; call Akim Anastopoulo today for a free review of your case.