Philadelphia Injury Lawyers Warn: Summer Season Brings Risk of Drowning Accidents

Summer is fast approaching, and with it comes a sense of freedom and outdoor fun. When the weather gets warm, kids and adults alike run to the water. Whether it’s around the family pool, the neighborhood swim club or at the beach, water and summer are synonymous. Along with the fun, however, concerns for one’s safety and health can become an issue.

According to the Children’s Nationwide Center for Injury Prevention (CIRP) safety information video, more than 1,000 children die in drowning accidents in the U.S. every year. The CIRP stresses that drowning and injury can occur anywhere, even if one is in only a few inches of water. These accidents can happen silently and quickly. For children, the CIRP states that a lapse in adult supervision is still the leading factor in drowning accidents.

Young Children Are at Greatest Risk of Drowning Accidents

Research from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) indicates that, overall, children between ages 1 and 4 have the highest risk for drowning.  Drowning accidents are the third leading cause of death in children ages 1 through 5 worldwide. Young people between the ages of 15 and 24 have the highest rate of drowning in natural settings, such as the ocean, lakes and rivers.

Some of the major injuries from swimming, diving injuries and other water injuries include brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as fractures that frequently occur from boating accidents and falls on slippery surfaces surrounding pools  According to the CIRP and other health organizations, many of these deaths and injuries can be prevented with some basic education and safety tips.

Follow these safety tips to prevent water-related and drowning injuries:

• Give undivided attention to children at all times when in tubs and pools.
• Never leave a child unattended in a baby tub seat.
• Give children swim lessons.
• Empty baby pools, coolers and buckets immediately after use.
• Have family rules concerning pool use.
• Inspect pool and hot tub drain caps.
• Properly secure hot tub covers when not in use.
• Secure surroundings – fence in pools and lock gates.
• Learn CPR – have certification training in workplaces, middle schools and in high schools.
• Increase the number of life guards at community pools and beaches.
• Have life vests available for all passengers on boats.
• Teach young people the dangers of drinking alcohol.
• Discuss the possible dangers of diving and body surfing.
• Have a phone available to call 911 – do not hesitate!

Philadelphia Personal Injury Lawyers at Galfand Berger Represent Victims of Drowning Accidents & Other Water-Related Injuries

If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a water-related accident, the Philadelphia injury lawyers at Galfand Berger can help you. Our dedicated, knowledgeable injury attorneys will help guide you through this difficult time and fight for your rights to compensation from negligent parties.  We maintain law offices in the Philadelphia,  Bethlehem – Allentown area and in Reading, PA, and represent clients throughout Pennsylvania, including the Harrisburg region, and in New Jersey. Call our Philadelphia personal injury law firm today at 1.800.222.USWA or contact us online for a free consultation.