Maricopa County Drownings Decreased in 2013

Phoenix and the surrounding cities are known nationally for having a large number of public and private pools, a fact also known to most members of the community. With the scorching heat of the summer and the temperate climate during the spring and fall, swimming pools can be a great way to relax and cool off for a while as well as a great source of exercise. But swimming pool accidents occur in Phoenix more often than most would like. Tragically, several of these incidents result in the death of child or adult every year.

But for the first time in a long time, there appears to be some good news out of Maricopa County. Total swimming pool related deaths in 2013 decreased from those that occurred in 2012, suggesting that a greater emphasis on safety may be reducing the number of tragic accidents. Deaths among young children as well as deaths among teens and adults were all down, nearly to the levels they were in 2000. The population has grown dramatically since 2000 so the decrease in deaths translates to an even greater reduction in the percentage of the population affected by those deaths.

Any decrease in accidental deaths is a good thing for Phoenix and for the residents in the surrounding communities but as long as swimming pool incidents continue to claim any lives, there is still more work to be done. There is no one factor that causes every death or serious water-related injury but there are some common factors that everyone should keep in mind when in the vicinity of a pool.

Children are at a high risk of drowning because they lack the needed skills to swim safely by themselves. This means that adults should always watch children when they are near water, even if the child is not actively swimming or should not be swimming. Water attracts children of all ages and if there is a way to get into a pool, a child will likely find it.

Even adults who know how to swim should still exercise caution around a pool. It is a good idea to never swim by yourself in case of an emergency and to make sure that your ability to swim is not compromised in any way. In many adult drownings, prescription drugs, illegal drugs, or commonly alcohol play a factor. Removing those substances from the picture is a good way to ensure that everyone remains safe.

Finally, it is always a good idea to swim where a certified life guard is present and on active duty. You never know when an emergency may arise but in case one does, having a professional present and willing to help may mean the difference between life and death.

Often, pool-related injuries are due to the negligence of the owner of a pool or the person responsible for maintaining the properly. Failing to have a proper fence surrounding the area, having a pool that is poorly designed, or even failing to provide required safety devices may make a pool owner liable for all injuries that result.

If you or your child has been injured or killed in a swimming pool accident, call the lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. today and let us provide you with a free, confidential case consultation. We are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to take your call at (855) PHX-LAWYER or (602) 819-5191. If an accident has affected your life, make sure you have an advocate on your side. Call us today and let us help you.

Prior Blog Entry:

Semi Truck Driver Charged in Fatal Arizona Crash, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published January 11, 2014.

Resource:

Youth drownings declined in Maricopa County for 2013, by Breann Bierman, CBS5AZ.com, published January 13, 2014.