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Swimming pool accidents are more common than many people realize, especially during the summer months when families gather to cool off and relax. Unfortunately, what begins as a fun day in the water can turn tragic due to negligence, lack of supervision, or poorly maintained facilities. From slip-and-fall injuries to life-altering drowning incidents, swimming pool accidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial damage.

At Guajardo Injury Law, we understand the devastating impact a swimming pool accident can have on your life. Whether you or a loved one has suffered an injury or you’re looking for ways to prevent such an incident, this article will guide you through critical steps to take after a pool accident and how to stay safe this summer.

What to do after a swimming pool accident?

Seek immediate medical attention

Your first priority should be medical care. If someone is submerged or visibly injured, remove them from the water carefully and call emergency services immediately. Administer first aid or CPR if trained. Prompt medical intervention can save lives and reduce the risk of long-term injury, especially in cases involving near-drowning or head trauma.

Document the scene and conditions

As soon as it’s safe, document everything. Take photographs or videos of the pool area, including any hazards such as broken gates, slippery surfaces, inadequate supervision, or malfunctioning equipment. Capture the time of day, weather conditions, and the state of the pool’s safety features. This documentation will be crucial in establishing potential premises liability later on.

Collect witness statements

If other people witnessed the incident, ask for their contact information and brief statements about what they saw. Eyewitness accounts can strengthen your case, especially if negligence or a failure to enforce safety rules was involved. These statements can help reconstruct the series of events leading to the swimming pool accident.

File an incident report

If the accident occurred at a public or private facility, such as an apartment, hotel, or community center, notify the property manager or on-duty lifeguard and request that an official incident report be filed. Ask for a copy of the report for your records. This establishes a formal record and may reveal if prior complaints or hazards were ignored.

Preserve all evidence

Do not discard or alter anything related to the accident. This includes swimsuits, flotation devices, broken equipment, and even pool chemicals if exposure played a role. Preserving evidence ensures your attorney can conduct a full and fair investigation into what happened and who may be at fault. This helps identify all possible liable parties.

Contact Guajardo Injury Law

Time is critical after a swimming pool accident. Reach out to Guajardo Injury Law for a free case evaluation. With over 30 years of experience handling personal injury claims in Austin, attorney Mike Guajardo will personally review your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and fight for the compensation you and your family deserve.

woman watching her child at her pool in Austin to prevent a swimming pool accident

How to prevent swimming pool accidents during summer?

Always supervise children

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death among children, and many of these occur within moments of losing visual contact. Never leave children unattended near a pool. Designate a responsible adult as the “water watcher” and rotate supervision duties if needed.

Maintain and inspect pool safety features

Ensure your pool has up-to-date and functioning safety features. This includes secure fencing, self-closing gates, anti-entrapment drain covers, and slip-resistant decking. Regular inspections and maintenance can help prevent mechanical failures or hazardous conditions.

Enforce pool safety rules

Establish clear rules such as no diving in shallow areas, no running near the pool, and no roughhousing. Post visible signage if you own the pool, and make sure all guests understand the expectations. Consistent enforcement of these rules greatly reduces the risk of injury.

Avoid overcrowding

While pool parties are fun, too many people in or around the pool can become dangerous. Overcrowding increases the risk of accidental collisions, missed emergencies, and obstructed views. Limit the number of swimmers to a manageable size based on the pool’s capacity.

Provide swimming and CPR training

Enroll children and non-swimmers in certified swim classes to build their confidence and ability. Adults supervising the pool should be CPR certified because this training could save a life in the critical minutes before emergency responders arrive.

Secure and store pool chemicals safely

Pool maintenance products such as chlorine and other chemicals should be stored in clearly labeled containers, away from the pool, and out of reach of children. Mishandling these can cause burns, respiratory distress, or poisoning, especially in the summer heat.

Don’t rely solely on flotation devices

Water wings, inflatable rings, and other toys are not substitutes for swimming ability or proper supervision. These items can give a false sense of security and may deflate or slip off. Always prioritize adult supervision and wear life jackets when necessary.

Swimming pool accidents can have life-altering consequences, especially when they result from negligence or poor maintenance. But with the right preventative steps and a clear plan of action, you can reduce the risk and respond effectively if tragedy strikes.

If you or a loved one has suffered due to a swimming pool accident in Austin, Guajardo Injury Law is here to help. We offer compassionate and aggressive representation and have a proven track record of securing justice for injured families. Whether you’re seeking justice for a serious injury or the wrongful death of a loved one, contact our office today for a free consultation.

Contact Us (512) 500-2450