Las Vegas temperatures are rising and many people are using April to get their pools ready for the scorching heat. Taking a relaxing dip in a swimming pool is a fantastic way to cool off and prevent heat illnesses. Unfortunately, pools are also a major source of injuries. To help you, your family, and guests stay safe, the Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys share four Las Vegas swimming pool season safety tips.
Follow These Las Vegas Swimming Pool Season Safety Tips
Swimming pools are a popular amenity in Las Vegas, providing a refreshing escape from the desert heat. However, ensuring the safety of these pools is crucial to prevent accidents and injuries. Following the four Las Vegas swimming pool season safety tips below will help make sure that your pool is safe year-round.
1. Install and Maintain Proper Fencing and Barriers
One of the most effective ways to prevent accidental drownings, especially among young children, is to install and maintain proper fencing and barriers around the pool area. Not only will this increase safety for your family and guests, but it will also help you avoid a premises liability lawsuit.
- Fencing Requirements: Las Vegas and Clark County have specific regulations regarding pool fencing. Typically, the fence should be at least four feet high, non-climbable, and have a self-closing and self-latching gate. The latch should be placed high enough so that young children cannot reach it.
- Regular Inspections: Regularly inspect the fence and gate to ensure they are in good working order. Repair any damages or defects promptly. Make sure the gate closes and latches securely every time.
- Additional Barriers: Consider adding additional barriers, such as pool covers or alarms, to further enhance safety. Pool covers can prevent access to the water when the pool is not in use, while pool alarms can alert you if someone enters the pool area.
2. Supervise Children Closely and Teach Water Safety
Constant and vigilant supervision is essential, especially when children are using your pool. You can maximize their safety throughout Las Vegas swimming pool season through these steps.
- Always Have Adult Supervision: Designate a sober adult to be the “water watcher” whose sole responsibility is to supervise the children in the pool. This person should not be distracted by phones, books, or conversations, nor should they be impaired by alcohol or drugs. Rotate the water watcher role to avoid fatigue.
- Never Leave Children Unattended: Never leave children unattended near a pool, even for a moment. Drowning can happen quickly and silently. If you must leave the pool area, take the children with you.
- Swim Lessons: Enroll children in swimming lessons at an early age. Teaching them basic water safety skills, such as floating and treading water, can significantly reduce the risk of drowning.
- CPR Training: Learn CPR. Knowing how to perform CPR can be life-saving in the event of a drowning or other emergency.
3. Implement and Enforce Pool Rules
The swimming pool area has ideal conditions for a slip-and-fall accident. Establishing and enforcing clear pool rules can help prevent these accidents and the injuries they cause.
- No Running: Prohibit running around the pool area. Slippery surfaces can lead to slips, trips, and falls, which can result in broken bones and soft tissue injuries.
- No Diving in Shallow Water: Clearly mark shallow areas and prohibit diving in those areas. Diving into shallow water can cause serious head injuries and spinal damage.
- No Glass: Do not allow glass containers near the pool. Broken glass can cause cuts and injuries.
- No Horseplay: Discourage roughhousing and horseplay in the pool. These activities can lead to collisions and other injuries.
- Swim with a Buddy: Encourage everyone to swim with a buddy. This ensures that someone is there to help in case of an emergency.
4. Maintain a Clean and Safe Pool Environment
A clean and well-maintained pool is essential for safety. A pool that’s free of obstructions will help you and your guests avoid broken bones and torn ligaments, while using the proper amount of cleaning chemicals will prevent lung damage and chemical burns.
- Chemical Balance: Regularly check and maintain the chemical balance of the pool water. Proper chlorine and pH levels are necessary to prevent the spread of bacteria and other contaminants.
- Clear Debris: Keep the pool area free of debris, such as leaves, toys, and other objects. These can create tripping hazards or clog drains.
- Skimmer and Filter Maintenance: Regularly clean the skimmer and filter to ensure proper water circulation and filtration.
- Lighting: Ensure adequate lighting around the pool area, especially at night. This will help prevent falls and make it easier to see if someone is in trouble.
- Non-Slip Surfaces: Use non-slip materials for the pool deck and surrounding areas to minimize the risk of slips and falls.
By implementing the four strategies above, you can significantly enhance safety throughout Las Vegas swimming pool season. Unfortunately, some accidents happen no matter how many precautions you take. If you’ve suffered a swimming pool injury caused by the actions or inactions of another party then contact ER Injury Attorneys immediately.
Contact a Top Las Vegas Swimming Pool Accident Lawyer
The Las Vegas injury lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys hope that you have a safe and enjoyable Las Vegas swimming pool season. Please follow the safety tips above and share them with your friends and family. Should you or a loved one suffer a swimming pool injury, contact us for a free consultation and our accomplished Nevada legal professionals will determine your best course of action.
You can reach ER Injury Attorneys 24/7 by phone at 702-878-7878 and online through click here or encrypted contact form. Our experienced Nevada injury lawyers have successfully recovered full and fair settlements for clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Pahrump, Boulder City, Laughlin, and beyond. Take the first step towards the money that you deserve by reaching out to ER Injury Attorneys today.