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According to the Florida Department of Health, Florida has had the highest unintentional drowning rate in the nation in recent years for the 1 to 4-year-old age group and has had the second highest drowning rate in the nation for individuals in the 1 to 14-year-old age range. It is also estimated that the cost of drowning in Florida for a year is greater than $15 million.

The State of Florida recommends that families enjoying the pools use a “Layers of Protection” system.

• Layer 1: Supervision, the first and most crucial layer of protection, means someone is always actively watching when a child is in the pool.
• Layer 2: Barriers physically block a child from the pool. Barriers include: child-proof locks on all doors, a pool fence with self-latching and self-closing gates, as well as door and pool alarms. The State of Florida has prepared a costs estimate for the different types of barriers.
• Layer 3: Emergency preparedness is key and everyone should learn CPR. The techniques are easy to learn and can mean the difference between life and death. In an emergency, it is critical to have a phone nearby and immediately call 911.

Under Florida law, residential pool owners are required to have protections in place. In order to pass final inspection and receive a certificate of completion, a residential swimming pool must meet at least one of the following requirements relating to pool safety features:

• The pool must be isolated from access to a home by an enclosure.
• The pool must be equipped with an approved safety pool cover.
• All doors and windows providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with an exit alarm.
• All doors providing direct access from the home to the pool must be equipped with a self-closing, self-latching device with a release mechanism.
• A swimming pool alarm to alert homeowners.

Homeowners, homeowners associations and condominiums can be held liable for failing to take adequate safety steps to protect those using their pools. Safety extends to making sure that the pool area is safe for use and that chemicals used in the pool are balanced and not toxic in their normal use.

Contact Us Today If You Have Been Injured

There are a number of additional factors to take into consideration when trying to ensure that you and your family are as safe as possible when in a pool. For instance, some individuals may experience suction entrapment, which could ultimately lead to drownings.

The Florida Swimming Pool Association suggests that pool owners have their drains and suction outlets inspected by licensed professionals and immediately replace any broken or missing covers. The Association also notes that those using the pool should be sure to stay away from the wall vacuum fittings and the suction/drain area. Additionally, those with long hair are encouraged to pull it back and/or wear a swim cap.

If you believe that you or a loved one has been harmed by a pool that was kept in an unsafe condition or that didn’t have appropriate safety features, contact Naples personal injury lawyer Randall Spivey for a consultation. An experience personal injury attorney can help you identify those responsible and ensure that you receive full compensation for your injury. Call the Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A. as soon as possible to discuss the specifics of your case.