Yesterday turned tragic for a family in Phoenix when a young girl drown in a backyard pool. The 2-year-old girl was at the home of her grandmother when she reportedly got access to the pool without the knowledge of an adult.
Firefighters responded to the home, located near Thomas Road and 75th Avenue, where the child was unresponsive. Though first responders transported her to a local hospital, she died as a result of her injuries.
The pool at issue is reportedly a private pool located in the backyard of the grandmother’s house. Early reports indicate that there is not a fence surrounding the pool to prevent unintended or unwanted access to the water.
The City of Phoenix has code provisions requiring the use of a fence with most, if not all, pools. The requirements do vary somewhat depending on when a pool was built but since 1990, all preexisting pools and subsequently built pools were required to meet rigorous safety standards if they were accessible to small children.
Currently, an exterior fence must be at least five feet high without any large gaps or holes. Any gates must be self-closing and self-latching with the ability to accommodate a lock. Pools constructed after 1991 may also be required to have an inner yard barrier regardless of whether or not children are regularly present in the area. The rules and guidelines are very specific and do not leave room for flexibility because the need for proper pool safety equipment is so important.
This time of year, valley pools are in high use. Once we start seeing the temperature spike into the 90s and above, pools are seen as a great way to cool down and as a great way to let kids play outside since the heat can make some parks and playgrounds unfeasible. Even if adults are not thinking about playing in a pool, chances are that a child is if there is a pool or other body of water in sight.
Children are drawn to the water and drawn to pools and they will find a way to get to one if they can. This is why it is crucial that all pool owners and anyone who supervises a child near water be constantly alert for the danger it provides. A child can drown in only a few inches of water in just a matter of minutes meaning that looking away for even a moment can turn deadly.
Swimming pool accidents happen every day and many result in injuries. Whether broken bones, paralysis, or even death, these injuries are tragic and often the result of the negligence of a pool owner, operator, or an adult supervising a young swimmer.
If you or your child has been injured in a swimming pool accident, you may have a claim for your injuries. Call the swimming pool injury lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today to discuss your case and what rights you have. We can be reached at (602) 819-5191 and we have a lawyer available 24 hours a day to take your call. The call is free and there is absolutely no obligation so call us now.
Prior Blog Entry:
Arizona Police Officers Make Nearly 560 DUI Arrests Over Memorial Day Weekend, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 30, 2013.
11-Year-Old Boy Killed By Hit-And-Run Driver, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published May 28, 2013.
Resources:
FD: Toddler dies after Phoenix drowning incident, abc15.com, published May 30, 2013.