Prevent pool injuries with these strategies

There are millions of swimming pools and hot tubs around the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While they can increase a home’s value and provide the setting for summer fun, Florida residents must take steps to keep people safe in their vicinity. Ideally, pool or hot tub owners will install a fence that is at least 4 feet high. The fence should have a latch, and items that could be used to climb over it should be kept in other locations.

Homeowners should be ready for a variety of emergencies that could occur as part of operating or maintaining a pool. For example, they should know what to do in the event of a chemical spill or if it is accidentally ingested. Chemicals should be kept in a secure location and properly marked to reduce the odds of an accident. Furthermore, a pool owner should know how to turn off its pump in an emergency situation.

Everyone who uses the pool should know and abide by a set of rules. For instance, there should be no running or rough play in the water or on the pool deck. There should also be no tricycles or anything else that could cause an accident. Radios and similar devices should not be allowed anywhere near the water as they could pose a safety risk.

A property owner may be liable for any accident that occurs near his or her pool whether the victim had permission to use it or not. An injured victim may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other damages. Those who have been hurt using a pool on another person’s property may wish to hire an attorney to assist with the case. Cases may be resolved through a settlement or a trial.