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Swimming pools can pose serious injury risks to both swimmers and persons engaged in activities near the pool itself.  Media reports of drowning incidents and pool negligence are common, and the statistics reveal an unfortunate reality.  According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, on the basis of studies conducted by the National Swimming Pool Institute and the National Safety Council, in the United States alone there are well over one million pools, with nearly 50,000 suffering injuries (annually) of such severity that emergency room treatment is necessary.

Swimming pool injuries are — in many cases — avoidable.  Though some negligence may be attributable to the victim, it’s worth noting that Florida law still allows negligent victims to sue and obtain financial compensation (under the doctrine of comparative fault, the plaintiff’s damages will be proportionally modified in accordance with their fault).  In Fort Myers and elsewhere throughout the state of Florida, negligent pool owners and others who are responsible for the safety of those in and around the pool can be held liable for the injuries suffered as a result of such negligence.

So, what injury risks — arising from the negligent acts of potential defendants — are commonly encountered at swimming pools?  Consider the following.

Failure to Maintain Pool in Safe Condition

Pools (and related items, such as ladders, railings, and tiles by the water) must be maintained to ensure that the property is in a reasonably safe condition for visitors.  The pool should be inspected regularly and hazards should be corrected.  For example, if there is a slide into the defendant’s pool, and the grip tape on the steps leading up the slide has worn off, then this could expose users to a significant slip-and-fall injury risk.  A prudent pool owner would repair the grip tape or prevent visitors from using the slide.

Electrical Shock Risks

The presence of electrical equipment near the pool could pose a significant electric shock injury risk to visitors.  To prevent visitors from being exposed to a heightened risk of electrical shock, pool owners should make sure to have a qualified professional install a ground-fault interrupter (GFI).  Inspections should also be regularly performed to ensure that the GFI is in good working order.

Pool Hazards Must Be Visibly Marked

Any and all pool hazards should be marked so that users are aware of the hazards.  For example, the depth of the pool should be properly marked to prevent users from diving into a shallow section of the pool and potentially injuring themselves.  Similarly, for any hazards that have not yet been corrected (i.e., cracked pool edges), users should be warned of their existence, either through a verbal warning or a sign.  

If you or a loved one has been injured in swimming pool accident, you may be entitled — under Florida law — to obtain compensation for such injuries. 

Contact Randall Spivey today to connect with a skilled Florida attorney at the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., a Fort Myers injury law firm.  We will provide a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights.