Category : Swimming Pool Accidents

Pool Safety Groups Oppose CPSC Interpretation of Law

Here is a classic example of the faulty interpretation of law. In 2007, Congress passed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act that included a number of measures aimed at preventing drowning-related deaths among children. The law contained provisions for the installation of safer drain covers that would prevent children from being seriously injured or killed from suction entrapment incidents. California pool accident lawyers, pool safety groups and concerned parents had cheered the passing of the law. However in March this year, it became clear that the law has been interpreted to lose much of its power.

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Tips for Parents on Pool Safety for This Summer

This week, CBS’ The Early Show featured a pool safety expert from Consumer Reports with tips for parents on minimizing the risk of swimming pool accidents this summer. California swimming pool accident lawyers are very familiar with these tips for parents, but it doesn’t hurt to stress the need for more adult supervision of children, pool fencing and lack of easy access to pools this summer.

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CDC Study Shows Sanitation Still Major Pool Safety Concern

California pool accident lawyers have been focusing heavily on pool safety now that summer is here. Obviously, the biggest focus has been on preventing drowning-related deaths in children below the age of five. The CPSC has also been spearheading efforts to increase focus on pool safety. The agency has launched its annual pool safety campaign, and is expected to release several reports related to child drowning-related deaths in the United States. However, it may be more than drowning-related deaths and submersion-related injuries that may be a risk this summer. Children may also be at high risk for contracting infectious diseases like gastroenteritis, from unsanitary pools.

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Swimming Lessons to Prevent Drowning Deaths

Swimming pool season is here and the American Academy of Pediatrics has updated its guidelines for the prevention of drowning deaths in children. The group is recommending for the first time, that children between the age of one and four benefit greatly from swimming lessons.

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CPSC Kicks off Annual Pool Safety Campaign

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has just launched its annual public pool safety campaign to initiate a national conversation about pool and spa safety. The official launch will take place on Monday, 24 May 2010, at the Fort Lauderdale Aquatic Complex where the agency will kick off the campaign.

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Near Drowning Incident in Visalia Underscores Need for Vigilance

A near drowning incident occurred this week when a three-year-old boy nearly drowned in a backyard swimming pool in Visalia. It was the most recent in a series of drowning and near drowning incidents in California, which demonstrates the importance of parents remaining vigilant at all times when their children are anywhere near water. With pool season on in full swing, it’s important that parents and caregivers understand the serious risks of drowning.

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Accidental Drowning Deaths Can Occur in Hot Tubs, Backyard Pools in California

California health and safety officials are warning about an increased risk of accidental drowning deaths involving children this summer. Contrary to what many people believe, drowning deaths can involve not just drowning in swimming pools, but also seemingly safe hot tubs and backyard pools.

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California Pool Accident Lawyers Warn about Drowning Accidents This Summer

Drowning accidents are a big concern this coming season. Summer is almost here, and millions of Californians will hit beaches, lakes and swimming pools around the state. California pool accident lawyers however, will be concerned at the increased risks of drowning and near drownings during the season.

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Family of Santa Barbara Swimming Pool Accident Victim to Receive $1.5 Million in Wrongful Death Damages

The owner of a sports club in Santa Barbara has agreed to pay $1.5 million in punitive damages to the family of a 4-year-old boy, who drowned in a swimming pool at the facility in 2005.

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Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Pool Safety Bill

California Governor Schwarzenegger signed a key piece of pool safety legislation last week to help minimize entrapments, drowning and other pool accidents.

Assembly Bill 1020 was one of the hundreds of bills that piled up on the Governor’s desk over a period of weeks.  Many of the bills were vetoed, but fortunately the governor has acknowledged the urgency of passing pool safety legislation, and has signed AB1020 into law. The bill makes it easier for public pool owners to comply with a federal pool safety law.  It states that all current public single drain pools must be fitted with an anti-entrapment device like a safety vacuum release system. All public pools must also be fitted with approved safety drain covers. The law makes it easier for California’s public pools to comply with the provisions of the federal Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act. It also makes it easier for California officials to enforce the Act.

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