For many Washingtonians with pools and hot tubs, summer means splashing around in the water to cool off and unwind. However, aside from setting up the place for parties, it is also essential to prioritize pool safety.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that 4,000 people die of drowning yearly in the US. This number saw a 10% increase to around 4,500 in 2020, 2021 and 2022. More alarmingly, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4 and the second leading for ages 5-14.
Many drowning accidents can be avoided by taking law-mandated precautions. So, with summer here, it is time to review these pool safety measures.
Pool owners have a duty of care
The law obligates pool owners to ensure the safety and health of all their visitors. Some recommendations from Washington State Department of Health to decrease pool accidents are:
- Creating a 4-foor-high self-closing latching gate around the perimeter
- Using safety covers and removing any ladders when the pool is not in use
- Making sure everyone, especially children, is adequately supervised
- Creating and reminding guests of the pool rules
- Keeping their pool pristine though regular chemical testing and cleaning
- Having accessible emergency equipment such as ring buoys, poles and first aid kits
Noncompliance may put pool owners at risk of a lawsuit. If a loved one drowns or was injured while swimming, surviving family members may be able to hold them accountable if they were proven negligent in their duties.
Pools should be safe, refreshing and relaxing
It is possible to create a pool experience that is both safe and relaxing. For pool owners, this means complying with pool safety regulations. Swimmers, in turn, should be mindful of these rules.