Swimming Accidents

Swimming Accident Attorneys

As lifelong residents of the Tampa Bay area in Florida, we have experienced the joy of being able to participate in aquatic activities that our sunshine and warm climate promote. Going to the local pool, or splashing around in your own backyard pool or that of a friend or neighbor, or taking a dip at a nearby lake are experiences that appeal to every generation. However, an afternoon of summertime bliss can quickly turn into a nightmare due to the dangers of drowning accidents and near drowning accidents. Humans in water are in an unnatural environment. By placing ourselves in the midst of thousands of gallons of water, we are constantly at risk of endangering our health, but through precautions and safety measures we can lower the odds of peril.

Teaching children to swim at a young age is an important part of their development that allows for them to enjoy countless forms of activity in and around pools, lakes, bays, and beaches. However, dangers outside of personal ability exist, and if we are not vigilant, these perils can threaten to hurt or kill even the most accomplished swimmer.

Owners of pools undertake many important responsibilities regarding the safety of the facility itself, the conduct of their safety personnel, and the enforcement of accepted safety techniques. Florida law stipulates that residential pools must have a perimeter fence that meets height and accessibility requirements to prevent the most vulnerable sections of our population, namely children and the medically frail, from stumbling into dangerous situations. There also must be appropriate signage and warnings posted if there is no trained lifeguard on duty, and if there is a lifeguard on duty, they may only be able to properly watch over a limited number of people effectively.

If a drowning incident has affected you or a loved one, our swimming accident lawyers and pool accident attorneys can help you heal and hold negligent pool operators accountable for their inaction. If you are in need of experienced Florida pool accident attorneys and swimming accident lawyers, contact PERENICH The Law Firm to speak to our experienced pool accident lawyers today.

Swimmers should be fully aware of the risks they confront upon entering a pool, but many enter the water with a false sense of security. Entering a pool or lake with numerous swimmers and waders seems to be a safe environment, but if there is not adequate lifeguard coverage or signs warning the swimmers that they swim at their own risk, they then are diving into this deceptively inviting environment with the incorrect belief that they are “Not Alone”. Contrary to popular belief, simply being near many other swimmers and waders does not guarantee that they can recognize and react correctly to swimming accidents. An overwhelming number of drowning accidents do not involve flailing arms and loud, sharp gasps for air, but rather the silent slip of an already unconscious person to the depths of the pool or lake where recognition of their predicament becomes very difficult.

Lifeguards are trained professional rescuers who are educated on the signs of a drowning in progress and knowledgeable of the appropriate rescue techniques that need to be used in different situations. Using scanning techniques and their knowledge of the facility or waterfront, they can respond to situations that most swimmers would not recognize as life-threatening. It is always advisable to swim only in pools or designated lakefront areas that are monitored by an appropriate number of lifeguards on duty, and if this is not possible, then it should be clearly posted around the swimming area that you swim at your own risk, and that without lifeguards on duty, you are “alone” in the water. The owner of the facility is still responsible for maintaining a safe environment for those who use the facility, and all safety and maintenance equipment in use at the facility should be regularly checked and in proper working order.

Our Florida pool accident attorneys and swim accident lawyers have devoted their professional careers to representing the victims and families of those injured or killed in swimming accidents. We have seen the impact these events have on the lives of those who care for the victims, and recognize the importance of education of the dangers present at a day in or near the pool. Please take care to swim in supervised areas and be alert for dangers that arise from either man-made or natural causes, such as thunderstorms. If you are a regular beachgoer or plan on going to the beach, please see our previous article on safety tips for avoiding dangerous currents.

Contact PERENICH The Law Firm to speak with a Tampa Pool Accident Lawyers today!