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As May marks the seasonal opening of outdoor pools and natural swim areas across the northern United States, many communities look forward to spending time outside and enjoying warmer weather. However, the return of pool season also brings significant responsibilities, especially for property owners.
Drowning remains the leading cause of death for children aged 1 to 4, and the second leading cause of unintentional injury death for children aged 5 to 14. In non-fatal incidents, drowning can still lead to lasting health issues, including brain damage and long-term disability. According to the CDC, unintentional drowning injuries that require follow-up care occur three times more often than any other type of injury treated in emergency departments.
To raise awareness, several organizations, including the American Red Cross, National Drowning Prevention Alliance, National Recreation and Park Association, and World Waterpark Association, have designated May as National Water Safety Month. Their goal is to promote water safety in both public and private settings.
At CED Technologies, we understand the serious risks associated with drowning and are committed to helping identify and prevent pool-related accidents. Our forensic engineers are experienced in premises liability investigations and can provide expert analysis in pool safety, design, and code compliance cases.
Safety Features
Under the Attractive Nuisance Doctrine, many states view trespassing children as the same as invited guests. In these states, the property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent injury. While legal responsibilities vary by the jurisdiction of each state, specific engineering controls and design elements can significantly improve safety and reduce liability risk.
From an engineering perspective, there are several safety measures property owners can install to prevent drowning.
Install fencing on all four pool sides with self-closing and self-latching gates. For additional security and controlled entry, use coded locks or keyed access.
Alarms and video surveillance on pool gates and surrounding areas can alert property owners immediately to unauthorized access. These alerts can help prevent tragedy by enabling faster responses.
Overhead lights and in-pool lighting make the area more visible at night, deterring intruders and reducing the chance of accidental injury.
Use properly engineered pool covers that can support a person’s weight. Covers should be securely fastened to prevent children from slipping underneath.
Test and treat pool water regularly to maintain proper pH and eliminate harmful bacteria, which can help prevent skin infections or waterborne illness.
Ensuring Swimming Safety
Beyond physical safety measures, property owners also need to support swimmer preparedness and emergency readiness.
One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of drowning is to teach children how to swim at a young age. Enrolling kids in swim lessons as early as age one, under the guidance of a certified instructor, can build water confidence, basic survival skills, and long-term safety awareness.
Dressing children in U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vests can add another layer of safety around a pool or open water area.
When children are in the water, a responsible adult should be nearby and paying full attention. A child can drown in as little as 20 seconds. For adults, it can happen in under 40 seconds.
If you own a pool, being CPR certified is essential. In an emergency, quick action can save a life before medical professionals arrive.
If a swimmer is coughing for more than 20 minutes after being in the water, seek medical attention. This could be a sign of secondary drowning or another respiratory issue.
Premises liability investigations often rely on clear, expert insight into how injuries could have been prevented. CED’s engineers bring years of experience in accident reconstruction and facility safety evaluations. Contact us today to learn how we can provide guidance to help reduce risk.
