Drowning Accident in South Carolina Highlights Pool Safety in the State
Over the first weekend in April, a 3-year-old tragically drown in his aunt’s pool. The Aiken county coroner determined that the incident was an accident, and no criminal charges have been filed. However, the drowning accident highlights the importance of pool safety in South Carolina, given South Carolina’s climate, and abundant access to pools, rivers, lakes, and the ocean.
According to the coroner’s report, the child was playing outside with family members on Saturday night, when he crawled under the fence surrounding his aunt’s pool and fell in. His family said that he did not know how to swim. The coroner stated that there was no evidence of foul play or abuse that could have led to the child’s drowning accident.
The accident is a terrible tragedy. While you might feel that you and your loved ones are not at risk, it could happen to any family. If you have a pool, or access to water, you should consider the following water safety tips to help prevent drowning or near-drowning accidents. According to the Red Cross, 200 children drown every year because of a lack of pool safety.
The Strom Law Firm recommends the following pool safety tips:
- If you have a large swimming pool, especially one sunk into the ground that you cannot take down, secure the area by surrounding the pool with barriers. A 4-foot high fence with a self-closing, self-latching gate will prevent most people from entering the area.
- When you are done using the pool, remove any ladders or steps used for access. Cover the pool, and consider installing a pool alarm.
- Maintain the pool water to that it is clean and clear. That way, you can see anyone in the pool.
- If children will be around the pool, make sure you or another adult are in their immediate vicinity. Never let children swim alone, even if they are older and know how to swim. Keep very young children within arms’ reach when they are in the water. Make sure adults who will use the pool with children know basic first-aid and pool safety rules.
- Establish and enforce rules around your pool such as the buddy system, no diving (especially in the shallow end of the pool), and walk, don’t run, because the area around the pool can be slippery.
- If you have a pool with areas too deep for you to stand up and be above water in, you should learn how to swim so you can be a safety monitor or helper for children who are swimming in the pool. Consider learning basic first-aid, as well.
- Keep a mobile phone near you while you are at the pool so you can call 9-11 in the event of a near-drowning or drowning accident.
The Strom Law Firm Represents Victims of Pool Safety Accidents
If you or a loved one have been injured, or a loved one has been killed at a public pool, you may be suffering long-lasting physical injury, temporary or permanent disability, lost work and wages, and emotional suffering. The South Carolina personal injury and wrongful death attorneys are here to help. We offer a free consultation to discuss your accident and to see how we can help you recover financially. 803.252.4800
