Swimming pools have the potential to provide a great deal of joy and even health benefits for people from all walks of life and in a broad spectrum of age categories. With that said, pools can also present safety risks. There are some important steps that can be taken in the arena of pool design to reduce the risk of drowning accidents and other harmful aquatic incidents.
These design strategies include five important steps:
- Take Full Advantage of Non-Slip Surfaces
- Incorporate Easily Accessible Shallow Areas in the Pool
- Install Abundant Pool Lighting
- Utilize Clear Pool Depth Markers
- Install Poolside Seating
Take Full Advantage of Non-Slip Surfaces
Slippery surfaces in and around the pool can lead to accidents and injuries. To enhance safety, consider using non-slip surfaces, such as textured concrete, rubber, or stone pavers, around your pool area. Very simply, nonslip pool and pool deck surfaces provide increased safety for swimmers of all ages. Slippery surfaces are a leading cause of pool accidents and injuries, especially for children and the elderly. A nonslip pool surface can help prevent slips, falls, and other accidents on a consistent basis.
In addition to these very real safety benefits, nonslip pool and pool deck surfaces can also reduce your liability as a pool owner. If someone were to slip and fall on your property, you could be held responsible for any injuries or damages. By installing a nonslip pool surface, you are taking proactive steps to prevent accidents and protect yourself from potential lawsuits.
Incorporate Easily Accessible Shallow Areas in the Pool
Incorporating shallow water areas into your pool design can also enhance safety. These areas provide a safe place for children and inexperienced swimmers to play and learn how to swim. Ideally, shallow areas are not limited to one end of a pool. For example, ledges can be crafted around the sides of a pool that provide additional spaces featuring shallow water. This type of design and construction provides more immediate safer water zones should a swimmer experience a sudden emergency situation.
Install Abundant Pool Lighting
Proper lighting is essential for safety in a pool as well as around the pool area. Pool safety can be enhanced by installing well-placed lights around the pool area to enhance visibility and reduce the risk of accidents.
Good pool lighting improves visibility, making it easier to see the pool's depth and any obstacles that may be in the way. This can help prevent accidents and injuries while swimming. In addition, a well-lit pool area can also deter intruders and trespassers. This type of lighting reduces the risk of people (particularly children) entering a pool area when it is closed. A notable percentage of drowning accidents occur when a child enters into a closed pool without supervision.
Utilize Clear Pool Depth Markers
Pool depth markers are an important safety feature that can help swimmers avoid diving into shallow areas. These markers should be visible from all angles and clearly indicate the depth of the water.
Pool depth markers also are important to aid in ensuring that swimmers are well-advised of the water level where they are located. This is particularly important for people with less experience swimming as well as for children.
Install Poolside Seating
Having seating areas around the pool can prevent overcrowding and provide a safe place for non-swimmers to relax and enjoy the pool area. Generous amounts of poolside seating can also be invaluable when it comes to swimmers and others who may experience a sudden onset of some type of health-related issue (like heat exhaustion).
A pool seating area allows for enhanced supervision of swimmers. With a clear view of the pool, you can ensure that everyone is safe and following the rules. You can also keep an eye on children and inexperienced swimmers who may need extra attention.
Hiring The Doan Law Firm to Protect Your Rights
If you or a family member have been injured in a swimming pool accident, the legal team at The Doan Law Firm is available to answer your questions and explain your rights. As a nationwide law firm, you can schedule an initial consultation with one of our attorneys by calling us at (800) 349-0000.
There is never a charge for an initial consultation with a Doan Law Firm lawyer. Indeed, The Doan Law Firm makes an attorney fee guarantee. We never charge an attorney fee unless we win your case for you.
