Accidental Pool Drownings Are a Leading Cause of Preventable Death for Kids Under 4
August 17, 2020
Pool & Spa Drownings Have Steadily Increased Since 2015, CPSC Report Reveals
More than 2,230 pool accidents involving children under 15 happen each year in the U.S. That’s according to the latest report from officials at the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), who recently announced that preventable pool accidents and deaths have been on the rise since 2015.
With summer and pool season in full swing, the CPSC is now urging parents and caregivers to:
- Check out the latest findings regarding how often kids are hurt or killed in pool accidents: These findings reveal pool accidents are the number one cause of unintentional death in children 1 to 4 years old. They also show that most pool injuries and deaths are preventable. As tragic as that it is, it also presents an opportunity to take action to minimize the risk of pool accidents and save lives.
- Refresh their pool safety knowledge: Revisiting pool safety tips for kids can empower caregivers to take the simple steps necessary to protect children around pools.
- Take the Pool Safety Pledge: This one-minute online pledge is a commitment to designate a “watcher” and take other steps to keep kids safe around pools and spas.
Spa & Pool Drowning Statistics: Most Pool Injuries & Deaths Are Preventable
Here are the latest pool accident statistics from the CPSC’s Pool or Spa Submersion Report, 2020 (published in April 2020).
How Many Kids Are in Pool Accidents?
- From 2017 to 2019, there were roughly 6,700 pool accidents, injuries, and deaths in the U.S.
- Annually, about 76% of nonfatal drownings—and 75% of deadly drownings—involve kids under 5.
- On average, 379 children under 15 were killed in pool accidents each year from 2015 to 2017.
- Since 2015, fatal pool accidents involving kids under 5 have surged by more than 15%.
- Boys are about two times more likely than girls to be hurt or killed in pool accidents.
Where, How & When Do Kids Get in Pool Accidents?
- More than 70% of all pool accidents involving children under 5 occur in a residential setting, like at home, a neighbor’s house, or a friend’s or relative’s house.
- About 52% of these pool accidents happen at the child’s home.
- Most fatal pool accidents involving children under 5 (about 56%) occur as a result of a caregiver losing track of a child’s whereabouts.
- About 17% of deadly pool accidents involve a child being seen in or by a pool or spa immediately before an accident.
- Most pool accidents, injuries, and deaths happen in July, trailed by August and June.
Who Is Liable for Spa & Pool Accidents & Injuries?
When any type of negligence contributes to pool accidents and injuries, victims may be entitled to compensation and justice. Depending on the circumstances, liable parties may include (and are not limited to):
- Property owners: Failure to watch children or lock gates enclosing pools can open property owners, managers, or landlords up to pool accident lawsuits.
- Pool equipment manufacturers: If defective or dangerous pool equipment malfunctions and hurts someone, the company that makes that equipment can be liable for the resulting injuries, suffering, and losses.
- Others: Lifeguards and other staff at public pools are just a couple more (of many) other parties that can be accountable for the pool injuries that happen on their watch.
The best way to find out who may be liable for a pool accident is to contact us to speak to an experienced lawyer for a free case review.
Spa & Pool Safety Tips: Keep Kids Safe This Summer & Beyond
Whenever you’re watching children around a pool, use these tips to minimize the risk of pool accidents, injuries, and deaths:
- Make sure there is at least one designated “watcher” to keep an eye on the kids.
- Teach children how to swim.
- For children who can’t swim, make sure they have the proper safety equipment (like floaties and/or life vests).
- Make sure pool drains have compliant covers.
- Keep children away from the pool drains.
- Learn (or refresh your knowledge of) CPR.
- Install safety barriers and devices around home pools, like gates, alarms, and lifesavers.
- Go over pool safety rules with children and/or other caregivers supervising children by pools.